The evening’s festivities begin at 7 p.m. with musical entertainment on the main stage which will be located along Kirby Ave between First & Oak Streets. There will also be children’s activites (bounce house/inflatables). Parking is available in the State Farm Center and Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) parking lots. Following the music, at around 9:10 p.m., there will be some announcements & presentations. After the announcements, there will be the singing of our National Anthem, an invocation, and then the retiring of our nations flag by a color guard. Immediately following, the always entertaining fireworks display. Drones are not permitted; the area is a no-fly zone for drones.
The Freedom Celebration Fireworks Location
The launch location will be lot E-14 west of the State Farm Center.
Once again this year, we will have a spectacular fireworks display! Pyrotecnico will treat us to a show they have carefully choreographed and synchronized with a custom soundtrack. They’ve put together some great shows for us in the past and this year is sure to be no different!
The fireworks will begin at dusk, approximately 9:15 PM. Should inclement weather affect the scheduled start time of the fireworks, in the interest of safety and public enjoyment, the Board of Directors and Committee will attempt to make a decision as to whether to delay the fireworks to a more advantageous time. Every attempt will be made to make this decision as early as possible to notify the public of any changes. Should a delay be required, all local media will be notified of the change.
Be sure to come early and sit close to the stage. You will be entertained by this year’s live band and when the evening show is completed, this is the best way to hear the synchronized music track. Should you find yourself out of range of the stage, be sure to bring a radio and you can hear the fireworks music on NewsTalk1400 WDWS AM and Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS. We would like to remind you, that This is a NO DRONE ZONE. If caught using a drone could result in a fine.
Musical Entertainment: Crazy Johnny Band and The 11th Hour
Crazy Johnny band is the longest running local rock band to this day. He was named Champaign-Urbana Rock Legend in 2014. Crazy Johnny received the 2016 C.U.M.A. Champaign Urbana Music Inspiration Awards Recipient at C.U. Band and Fans Anniversary Celebration Gals on 11/13/2017.
Members:
“Crazy” Jonny Matteson
Joy Peacock
Tom Cortese
Ben Arthur
Eric Powell
Terry McCartney
Other Presenters/Performers
MC: Scott Beatty (Promotions, Host and Producer – WHMS)
National Anthem: Crystal McCullough – Worship Pastor (Meadowbrook Community Church)
Invocation: Aaron VanderMolen – Youth Pastor (Meadowbrook Community Church)
Taps: Verlin Richardson
Honor Guard: Champaign Fire Department
Map
Song Selections
| Song Title | Artist |
| Liberty Fanfare | John Williams |
| God Bless America | Leann Rimes |
| Party in the USA | Miley Cyrus |
| America the Beautiful | Ray Charles |
| Waves | Luke Bryan |
| Chicken Fried | Zac Brown Band |
| Best Day of My Life | American Authors |
| God Bless the USA | Lee Greenwood |
| America | Rodney Atkins |
| What a Wonderful World | Louis Armstrong |
| Armed Forces Medley | US Marine Band |
| Great Balls of Fire | Jerry Lee Lewis |
| Stars & Stripes Forever | J.P. Sousa |
