Morgan Hill’s celebrations began in 1876 as a bike race and parade.
By Cheri Brown
Cheri Brown
The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s goal is to advocate for local businesses, highlight the best in our community and give members the opportunity to network. The membership has grown significantly in the past year — 21 new members Jan. 1. Small and large businesses as well as nonprofits participate, there are currently 28 non-profits as members.
Morgan Hill Freedom Fest is one of these nonprofits, they have been a member since 2002, while a part of our community since 1876. This group is responsible for our two-day Fourth of July Celebration, which includes seven events; Patriotic Sing by elementary students, Family Music Fest, Patriotic Run 5k/1m, Classic Car Cruise/Show, the award-winning parade, and of course Fireworks on the Green. The team has been planning the event for several months led by the event president Matthew Stein.
The past two years have tested most events and businesses in our community, but thankfully Freedom Fest was able to adapt to the situation and keep our community’s traditions alive and well. In 2020 there was a pre-recorded July 4th celebration which included our Patriotic Sing, classic cars, bands, equestrians, floats, and local celebrities, which was watched by more than 20,000 in our community. In 2021 they returned in-person to celebrate and wanted to make sure everyone was included. The parade and sing were broadcast for those who could not join in-person. More than 15,000 people virtually joined the more than 50,000 in-person attendees.
Morgan Hill’s celebrations began in 1876 as a bike race and parade. Today the events kick off weeks ahead of the Fourth with an essay contest for local children and culminates in fireworks the evening of July Fourth.
According to Matthew, one of the best parts of this event is that it is created by, shown to, and sponsored by our local community. More than 500 volunteers work for weeks to put on all the events from putting up no parking signs to being safety marshals. It is a great opportunity to be part of the community and help inspire civic service to the next generation. If you are interested in being a volunteer either as an individual or a family, they would love your help. You can sign-up to volunteer at (www.morganhillfreedomfest.com/volunteer) and you get a free shirt!
There are also costs to ensure the safety and security of the event, costs that continue to go up each year. The annual event costs more than $240,000 all of which comes from local businesses and residents. If you have a business that would like to sponsor, please reach out [email protected] or go directly to our website www.morganhillfreedomfest.com. Individuals play a critical role in this 100 percent free event. If each household donated just $13 the entire event would be fully funded. Please consider donating on their website. All donations of $100 will receive a collector’s pin as a special thank you.
They hope everyone will come join us for this year’s July 4 “Let Freedom Ring” celebration.
Cheri Brown is a board member on the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. She is a Medicare Insurance Specialist, and volunteers for Freedom Fest and the Friday Night Music Series and can be reached at [email protected]. For more information on joining the Chamber of Commerce contact Brooke Hoestra , director of membership and events at 408-706-8520 or email [email protected].
