New Albany Freedom Fest Weekend brings new Attractions, Events

Another big event and some new activities have been added to Freedom Fest Weekend, June 23-24 in New Albany.

Duck Dynasty’s Justin Martin

Justin Martin

The Magnolia Civic Center has booked Duck Dynasty’s Justin Martin for a talk at the Cine Theater at 4pm on the afternoon of Saturday, June 24. Justin, an employee of Duck Commander, became a regular face on A&E’s Duck Dynasty, often on the receiving end of pranks. Justin will be talking about his life, his faith, his work on the show and his relationships with the rest of the Duck Dynasty crew. Tickets for this event can be purchased on the Magnolia Civic Center’s website at www.magnoliaciviccenter.com.

New Kids’ Activities

While the carnival will be returning to the delight of kids of all ages, there will some new activities, as well, with “activity” being a key word. House of Bounce out of Saltillo, who brought the popular “Zorb Balls” to last year’s festival, will be returning with some more games and inflatables, including a “Cliff Jump” where kids climb to the top of a twenty-foot platform and are able to jump onto an inflated pad, similar to what they use in the movies. Inflated “Sumo Suits” and “Kick-ball Darts” will also be available and the good thing is that will be very affordable, with wristbands selling for only $5.

Sumo

In addition to these new activities, Backyard Laser Tag will also be on hand with a laser tag area filled with inflated cover pieces. And Arrowhead Farms will be returning with their petting zoo and pony rides

Full Schedule

Arts in the Park

The festival unofficially kicks off on Thursday, June 22, with the opening of the carnival midway at the Farmers Market area downtown. The carnival will be open Thursday evening, Friday evening and Saturday from about 10 until 11pm. There will be live music with The Boomers at the New Albany Main Street Association “Street Dance at the Trailhead” on Friday night. Arts at the Park will open around 10am on Saturday morning and last until 5pm. Duck Dynasty’s Justin Martin will be giving his talk at the Magnolia Civic Center at 4pm.Concerts, featuring Reverend Willie, Prowler and Sam Mosley and the Muscle Shoals Horns will begin around 6pm on the Riverview Stage. The festival will culminate with the Barnes Crossing GMC Buick & Chevrolet Fireworks Show at around 9:30 on Saturday night. All times are approximate.

FREEDOM FEST SCHEDULE

Thursday, June 22

5pm: Carnival Opens (Farmers’ Market area)

Friday, June 23

4pm – 11pm: Carnival Open

7pm – 9pm: New Albany Main Street Association “Street Dance”, featuring The Boomers (Trailhead Plaza)

Saturday, June 24

10am – Arts in the Park (Park Along the River)

10am – Carnival Open

4pm – Duck Dynasty’s Justin Martin (Magnolia Civic Center)

5:30pm – Reverend Willie (Riverview Stage)

7pm – Prowler (Riverview Stage)

8:30 – Sam Mosley & The Muscle Shoals Horns

9:30 – Barnes Crossing GMC Buick & Chevrolet Fireworks Show

The schedule for the festival is subject to change. Organizers encourage those interested to follow their Facebook page for the latest announcements.

New Albany Freedom Fest is sponsored by New Albany Tourism, New Albany Main Street, RedMed Urgent Clinic and Barnes Crossing Chevrolet Buick GMC. Other sponsorships are available. For information, call Sean Johnson at 662-316-9557.