Freedom Fest celebration has everything under the sun

Very little rain and milder temperatures helped make New Albany’s 2015 Freedom Fest successful.

Earlier in the week Freedom Fest organizers announced that the program of “First Hand” political speeches by state and local candidates would be moved inside to the Cine’ Theater because rains were expected during the day Saturday.

However, Saturday rains amounted to little more than a sprinkle, so the political speeches were moved to a much more appropriate venue — the shaded lawn of the Union County Courthouse.

Mary Catherine and Drew Shands

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood and New Albany Police Chief Chris Robertson

Political speeches were interspersed with entertainment events throughout Saturday afternoon. Some candidates set up hospitality tents around the edge of the courthouse lawn. People visited with political candidates and friends with afternoon temperatures not going above the mid-80s.

Lee County Sheriff Jim H. Johnson, his wife Jamie and their son

Military, law enforcement and emergency workers were recognized.

Freedom Fest Beauty Pageant Court

Sam Mosely and his Mosely and Johnson blues band were joined by the Muscle Shoals Horns for the Saturday evening entertainment on the left bank of the Tallahatchie River. Vendors around the periphery of the concert area provided a variety of food and beverages to an audience of more than a thousand people. Temperatures dipped into the upper 70s after sundown.

Mosely & Johnson Muscle Shoals Horns

Sam Mosley at 2015 Freedom Fest

Legendary Harvey Thompson Muscle Shoals Horns Laboring over a hot saxophone

Freedom Fest crowd

Freedom Fest crowd

Freedom Fest crowd

Freedom Fest crowd

Freedom Fest crowd

The climax of the evening was a dramatic fireworks display, which could be viewed from the concert area and other places near downtown New Albany and the Park Along the River.

Channel 99 was on hand to film the fireworks, and we thank them for making a video available for all to see.

Here is a link to New Albany’s Chanel 99 video of the fireworks: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TV99-New-Albany/1606141086288086?fref=nf