More arts, new events added to New Albany Freedom Fest

According to organizers, New Albany’s Freedom Celebration, taking place on Saturday, June 24, will have more arts this year than last. So far, around fifty vendors have registered to sell items like handmade jewelry, soaps and furniture, rustic teak furniture, vintage signs, leather goods and more at the Arts in the Park Market at Park Along the River, sponsored by the New Albany Main Street Association.

“We’re really excited about the number and quality of vendors at this year’s event,” says Billye Jean Stroud, market manager and Main Street Director. “Many of these vendors are offering one of kind items that can’t be found anywhere else, and we’re happy to have them join us in New Albany.”

First ever “Knapp-In on the River” will feature primitive weapons competitions, artifacts, etc.

In addition to the expanded market, the North Mississippi Atlatl Association will have their inaugural “Knapp-In on the River.” At this event attendees can learn how arrowheads and the primitive bow and atlatl were made, watch primitive archery competitions, see interactive demonstrations and browse through a vendor section for primitive weapons, arrowheads and other artifacts. The Knapp-In on the River will be held during Freedom Fest just across the footbridge at the park. For more information on the event, contact the Union County Heritage Museum at 662-534-0014 or check out the association’s Facebook page by searching Facebook for “NMAA: North Mississippi Atlatl Association”.

“We’re happy that the Atlatl Association decided to join us at Freedom Fest. They will be providing a unique and informative glimpse into the pre-Columbian history of the area, and it should be a lot of fun,” says Sean Johnson, Freedom Fest organizer.

Freedom Fest unofficially begins on Thursday, June 22 with the opening of the carnival midway at the Farmers Market area downtown. The full schedule is below:

Thursday, June 22 – Carnival opens

Friday, June 23

7pm: New Albany Main Street’s “Street Dance at the Trailhead,” featuring The Boomers

Justin Martin, of Duck Dynasty

Saturday, June 24

10am – 5pm: Arts in the Park, Kids Activities and Knapp-In at Park Along the River

4pm: Justin Martin of Duck Dynasty at the Cine Theater

Concerts at the Riverview Stage

Sam Mosley

6:00pm: Reverend Willie

7:15pm: PROWLER

8:15pm: Sam Mosley & The Muscle Shoals Horns

9:30pm: Barnes Crossing Chevy Buick GMC Fireworks Show

To Download, print Freedom Fest events map:  2017FF map

New Albany Freedom Fest is produced by New Albany Tourism and the New Albany Main Street Association. The festival is sponsored by Red Med Urgent Care Clinic, Barnes Crossing Chevy Buick GMC, Clark Beverage and BNA Bank. For more information about the festival, call 662-534-1047.

For more information about kids’ activities, concert artists, etc..