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.

 

Big Jake welcomes Leon Edwards to the program this morning to announce the return of Wolfe Cattle Company to Du Quoin's Southern Illinois Center for two massive nights of Cord McCoy PRCA Pro Rodeo action and country concerts the 2nd to last weekend in March!

 

 

DU QUOIN, IL (FEB 2, 2024) – The Wolfe Cattle Company proudly announces the 3rd Annual Cord McCoy PRCA Du Quoin Pro Rodeo. Once again, the event will happen inside the Southern Illinois Center at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Illinois, on March 22 and 23, 2024.

David Wolfe, the owner, said, “Partnering with Cord McCoy and the PRCA has allowed us to grow this event year after year. This year, we are again planning to bring in some of the nation’s top rodeo competitors and some of the nation's best country music!”

For two nights, fans can experience all that a PRCA Rodeo has to offer. Each night will offer wall-to-wall action featuring some of the best cowboys in the country and the toughest world-class Cord McCoy bulls you’ll ever see! Experience: Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Bronc, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, & Bull Riding!

Stick around after the dust settles for special performances by 2 of the nation's top country music performers. On Friday, March 22nd, don’t miss one of the most successful crossover artists of all time, Colt Ford! His unique blend of country music, hip hop, and rock & roll has led him to sell over 3 million albums, attracting millions of followers on social media and hitting one billion-plus streams.

On Saturday, March 23rd, the country music superstar, who has sold over 11 MILLION albums, charted over 20 singles, earned numerous awards and GRAMMY nominations, and garnered over TWO BILLION streams, Trace Adkins will be performing!

All rodeo tickets include entry into the concert. Concert-only tickets are also available for those who would like to come later in the evening. This year, we will be offering VIP tickets as well. VIP tickets will include bleacher seating, access to the VIP section of the concert, and food & drink until the concert begins.

All tickets are on sale now at www.wolfecattlecompany.com! Tickets are only sold from the website via Etix/EDW MKTG. 

 
...

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.

 
...

Future Business Leaders of America is a student organization for motivated students who want to have fun and grow as leaders. FBLA is a student leadership organization with many facets. While business is in the name, careers and leadership development programs benefits all students. Mt. Vernon Township High School's FBLA Adviser Julie Hayes and 2 MVTHS Seniors joined Big Jake's show this morning to chat about their program, future plans, and of course their annual Pink-Out Football Game to benefit Breast Cancer Treatment/Research on Friday, 9/13.

The FBLA has hosted this fundraiser since 2012 when the President (at that time) & football player wanted to do a fundraiser for breast cancer because his mother had been diagnosed.

Fans can purchase a Jersey Sponsorship for $100 to get a survivor or someone's name that is/was affected by breast cancer on the back of a Jersey worn by player during the game. That sponsor can also take part in the Jersey Ceremony after the game, where players give their game-worn jersey to the sponsor.

Pinkout Designed Shirts will also be available for purchase via the link below or the day of the game for Short sleeve ($15); Long sleeve ($20) Crew ($25) Hoodie ($35). T-Shirt Pickup at school next Tuesday 9/10. Online: https://shopsilkworm.com/mtvernonpinkout

Business Sponsors are also available. Sponsors get their business logo printed on back of Pinkout Shirts that will be worn LONG after the game on 9/13, all for a $100 donation.

The FBLA will also host a Rubberduck Drop Raffle where Pink rubber ducks dropped from the bucket of fire truck (fire science instructors) and the Duck closest to the "X" wins $100. Tickets can be purchased the night of the game for this too.

  • Contact: Julie Hayes, FBLA Adviser
  • jhayes@muths.org
  • 618-246-1828

 
...