FreedomFest adding music before fireworks

Freedom Fest is almost here. While this year’s event, happening Saturday, June 27, will look a little different, the Main Street and Community Development staff say they hope that everyone feels welcome to celebrate in what was recently named by farandwide.com the Coolest Small Town in Mississippi.

Pedaling for Hope on the Tanglefoot Trail will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with day-of sign-up at the trailhead plaza with the adult ride starting at 8 a.m. and a kid’s fun ride starting at 8:30 a.m. Online registration is open at raceroster.com. Many shops in the historic downtown district will be hosting sidewalk sales. Park Along the River’s playground, walking bridge, Tallahatchie Trails, and green spaces are open to the public. Visitors can get outdoors to enjoy fresh air and exercise, have a picnic lunch, toss a Frisbee. While there are picnic tables throughout the park, setting up your own space is allowed. Depending on the weather, a few local food trucks will try to be set up near the pavilion to offer food, soft drink and snack options. The Tanglefoot Trail is a 44-mile paved path to walk, run or bike with friends and family. Adjacent to the trail, at the New Albany Welcome Center and Union County Library, there are picnic tables for eating and relaxing as well. Bathrooms will be open at both the Park Along the River pavilion and the Welcome Center next to the Tanglefoot Trail. “We ask that everyone do their part to keep the areas around them safe and clean,” Community Development Director Billye Jean Stroud said. There will be a sound system playing music starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

City officials do ask that everyone enjoy the park safely, according to following current CDC guidelines:

• Maintain social distancing as much as practical. A separation of six feetfrom another person is considered effective for infection control.
• A non-medical grade or homemade cloth mask may be important when a distance of six feet cannot be easily maintained between persons.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Look for sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol.

If you have any questions, contact the Community Development and Main Street office by calling 662-534-3438 or emailing visitnewalbany.com.