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.

 

Whitney Hodge was on the Morning Show to talk about the 13th Annual Cooking for CASA event coming up on January 18th.

Local business men and women, civic leaders, and others will prepare their favorite dishes and compete for their chance to win a Golden Skillet. Chefs will face off in a fun filled evening where guest are able to sample a variety of foods from different categories, so bring your appetite and tip money for your favorite chef so they can take home the People's Choice Golden Skillet! While this is a competition, it is all in good fun and a way to support foster children in Jefferson County.

5:00 - Doors Open5:30 - Program Begins6:00 - Serving Begins7:30 - Silent auction closes, Live auction begins8:00 - Chef and Auction winners announced

Tickets:$50/person$500/table of 10

Tickets can be purchased at the CASA office at 612 N. 12th St. or online:

Call the CASA office at 618-204-5453 for more information or to purchase tickets.

 
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Big Jake is joined by Courtney Kabat with Cedarhurst Center for The Arts to discuss Thursday Night Live, the upcoming Pooch Parade on Thursday, July 18th, and all things Cedarhurst. Learn more at cedarhurst.org and we'll see you Thursday Night at 5pm!

 
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Nat & Sandy Shook with United Way of South Central Illinois join Big Jake to chat about their Stuff The Bus School Supply Donation, Food Truck Fest, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. All great programs that are benefiting those that live in the counties UWSCI serves and programs you can help support!

 

 
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