Annual Fort Scott Freedom Fest proves successful once again

Spectators watch as an area youth attempts to capture a greased pig and drag it to the center of the fenced in area at the Fort Scott Freedom Fest Friday at Gunn Park. -- Rayma Silvers/Tribune Photo

By Rayma Silvers

The Fort Scott Tribune

The 2008 Gunn Park Freedom Fest captured the attention of many area residents with its squealing pigs, laughing children, muddy volleyball players and much more.

According to event co-organizer and Fort Scott Gunn Park Committee member Tom Robertson, this year's Freedom Fest event was very well attended with a steady flow of people which surpassed that of previous years. Although official attendance counts have not been completed, Robertson estimates that anywhere from 1,200 to 1,500 people joined in the fun and entertainment during the event.

"We were very happy with the attendance," he said. "It was very steady all day."

Robertson said that organizers received overwhelming response for the event's greased pig contest, which was a new event this year and was open to children between 4 and 12 years of age. In the contest, the children chased a greased pig in a fenced area attempting to catch it. A trophy was awarded to the first place winner in each age category. Robertson said the contest went so well that it will definitely be repeated again at next year's event.

The disc jockey, another addition to the Independence Day event, was on hand to make necessary announcements and entertain event attendees with a variety of music.

The aspect of this year's festival that stood out to him the most, Robertson said, was that it attracted many families with children. Children who attended the event were entertained by a wide variety of youth-oriented activities such as an art tent, miniature golf, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable rides and many more.

According to Fort Scott Gunn Park Committee member and treasurer Kathi Plain, all proceeds from the event will be used to fund other community entertainment events at the park. The committee also conducts Halloween in the Park and Christmas in the Park, both of which are free to the public.

Plain said that at last year's Christmas in the Park, event attendees were able to eat chili and make cookies at no charge. The only way to fund events like these, Plain said, is through donations and fundraisers such as Freedom Fest.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Fort Scott Gunn Park Committee can send the donation to City Hall, 1 E. 3rd, to the attention of the Gunn Park Committee.