It takes hundreds of volunteers and $150K to put on Fourth of July fun for the community
Published in the June 25-July 8, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Jeff Dixon
Jeff Dixon
We are fortunate to live in Morgan Hill’s family-friendly community with its recreational activities, scenic vistas, and fun events. Many of these fun events happen as a result of hard work by dedicated community volunteers. The Morgan Hill Freedom Fest is one such event. Produced annually for more than 20 years by Independence Day Celebration, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit, all-volunteer community service organization, it encompasses a wide range of activities. There are five bike rides in the Bike Classic, a run through downtown Morgan Hill in the 5K Run/1-Mile Walk/Run, classic cars in the Car Cruise ‘n Show, live music at the Family Music Fest, entertaining essays and impressive performances by local school children in the Patriotic Sing, an afternoon and night of fun at Fireworks on the Green with its phenomenal fireworks show, and, of course, our historic parade.
Those who started these festivities back in the late 1800s would be proud to know the people who keep this tradition alive today. It is my privilege to serve as the president for the next three years. With only 11 years in our organization, I’m considered a relative “newbie.” My service time pales compared to event chairs Bob and Maureen Hunt (Parade), Dennis Dal Poggetto (Family Music Fest), Karen Crane (Patriotic Sing), Charles Weston (past President and 5K Run/1 Mile Walk/Run) and Treasurer Rich Gamboa, all of whom have been part of the organization for 15 to 20 or more years. The remaining event chairs, while new to the group since I joined, have also served an extended term. Russ Carr (Car Cruise ‘n Show) has been with us for eight years and, after a brief hiatus, Debbie and John Tawney came back to run Fireworks on the Green for the last three years. They are joined by Sam Houston, Manny Padilla, Don and Donna Cowan, plus many more who have been event leaders and volunteers for decades.
Our group continues to impress me as I think of the folks behind the scenes. Tammy Clark is our long time corporate secretary and Rick Tifft who has handled logistics for all the events for years with help from folks like Tim Goodell. They have been joined by our more recent recruits Mitsie Smith (Sponsorships), Lynn Astalos (Marketing/Bike Classic Chair), Frances Nance (Public Relations) and first year members Laura McCoy (Program), Christina Salacup and Paul Chen.
And the list goes on. It goes on because we couldn’t do it without the tremendous support we get from the city of Morgan Hill, City Council and staff, local businesses, community leaders and most of all from you – our fellow residents. It costs almost $150,000 to put these events on. Without your support, it wouldn’t happen.
So come join us at one, or some, or all of the fun events we provide to celebrate America’s birthday. It’s easy to do. Visit www.mhfreedomfest.com to learn about Destination America, this year’s theme. Read about the Thomas Kinkade online auction and see all the different event schedules and information then go to www.facebook.com/mhfreedomfes for updates, fun facts, photos and more.
See you at this year’s Freedom Fest!
Jeff Dixon is the president of the Independence Day Celebration, Inc., the group that puts on the Freedom Fest events celebrating America’s birthday.
To learn more…
Go to www.mhfreedomfest.com to learn about this year’s theme, Destination America, the Thomas Kinkade auction as well as event schedules and information then go to www.facebook.com/mhfreedomfest for updates, fun facts, photos and more.
