Big Jake invites Paul Shield with Allstate Insurance in Mt. Vernon to come sit in on his chat with Elijah & Nicole Adkins. This month you can save on insurance, win some prizes, and help a local family in need. Nolan Adkins is a 4-year-old from our area that is winning, but still recovering from, his fight with cancer. Obviously costs add up and still to this day since being diagnosed, the family is dealing with the costs of care. During the month of March, txt the name "NOLAN" to the Paul Shields, Allstate Insurance text line at 618-242-0094 to get a link for an insurance quote. For every new quote, Paul will donate $20 to the Adkins Family and there is no obligation to you to donate nor agree to switch insurance providers. Paul just wants the chance to potentially help you but for sure, this local family. By participating, you'll also be in the drawing for a jumbo adult Easter egg containing a $100 Visa gift cart, free food gift certificates, chocolate, some Allstate swag, and so much more!

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.

The Wolfe Cattle Company proudly presents McCoy Rodeo’s Extreme Bull Bash and country concerts, Friday, March 28th and Saturday, March 29th at the Southern Illinois Center, located within the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Cord joins Big Jake's show to get you ready for the adrenaline pumping, bull riding action!

 Prepare for the heart-pounding thrill of the 8-second ride as cowboys strive to conquer the bulls for points and prizes.

 On Friday,  March 28th, Drew Baldridge will be the music headliner. A Southern Illinois native currently making waves in the Tennessee music scene, Baldridge will captivate the audience with his new single, "Tough People," alongside his recently acclaimed viral hit, "She's Somebody's Daughter," which achieved number one status.

On Saturday, March 29, country music superstar Trace Adkins will be performing! Adkins, who has sold over 11 million albums, charted more than 20 singles, and earned numerous awards and Grammy nominations, has garnered over two billion streams. Adkins, originally scheduled to perform at the 2024 Du Quoin Rodeo, had to cancel due to a leg injury.

 All rodeo tickets, including VIP tickets, grant entry to the concert, and concert-only tickets are also available. Please note that rodeo-only tickets are not offered, making this a truly unique and exclusive experience.

 VIP tickets include bleacher seating, access to the VIP section of the concert, and food and drink until the concert begins.

 Doors for the rodeo will open at 5 PM each night, with the rodeo starting at 6:30 PM. For concert-only attendees, doors will open at 8 PM, and the concert will begin at 9 PM.

Tickets and show information will be available at wolfecattlecompany.com.