Angela joins Big Jake's show to discuss Mt. Vernon’s beloved Salute to Freedom returns for its 39th year on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. This free, family-friendly celebration features a full evening of food, fun, and fireworks.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with free admission and free parking. A wide variety of local food vendors will be on site, including:

American Ice Cream

Billy Bob’s BBQ

Buttercup’s Hand-Dipped Ice Cream

Crazy Asian Eats

El Ranch Taco Truck

Fat Jack’s / Melissa’s Place

Hamp’s Concessions

Launay Concessions

R & J Arctic Oasis

Simply Soul

Snowie

Taco Jo’s

Tommy D’s Flavored Freeze

Uncle Joe Sauces

In addition to great food, families can enjoy pay-to-play activities, including inflatables, face painting, laser tag, and more, provided by:

Brandy’s Fancy Faces

Party Up Inflatables

R & J Tactical Lazer Tag

R & J Gelly Ball

R & J Mobile Arcade

Market Days vendors will be set up with unique local goods and crafts. Confirmed vendors include:

618 Freeze Dried Sweets & Treats

All Shook Up

Avon

Franklin County Christian Action Council

Gravity Falls

Laura Seidel

Punk You Out

SPIRIT OF ART

The Happy Hippie

Uncle Randy's Sweets and More

Gene’s Fishing & Pointy Things

… and more!

Live entertainment begins at 5:00 p.m. with a live DJ, followed by a performance from Edwin Linson at 6:30 p.m. The grand finale fireworks show will begin around 9:00 p.m.

The Mt. Vernon Lions Club will operate a shuttle service from the parking area. After the event, attendees needing transportation back to their vehicles should visit the Mt. Vernon Tourism tent near the main stage.

Please note: No personal fireworks (including sparklers) or pets are allowed on the grounds.

For more information, visit enjoymtvernon.com or contact Mt. Vernon Tourism at (618) 242-3151.

 

Cord McCoy, the man with a rodeo plan, joins Big Jake's show to get you hyped for rowdy, rodeo action happening Friday, March 22nd & Saturday, March 23rd in Du Quoin at the Southern Illinois Center. It's all presented by Wolfe Cattle Company and Southern Illinois Waste. Your stage entertainment is thanks to Withers Broadcasting and Du Quoin Chevrolet-Buick. Get your VIP tickets at wolfecattlecompany.com!

 
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Event Organizer Chris Bernard joins the show to discuss the rising popularity of Sports Collectables and of course their big event on 2/23/25 at The Double Tree By Hilton in Mt. Vernon.

 
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Heather Beckley and Lisa Damron with Mt. Vernon Tourism and Festivals Inc. respectively, join Big Jake's show to chat about Scoopie Night at Mt. Vernon's Cuvler's as well as this weekend's Market Days & Pawfest events.

 
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