Freedom Fest fireworks light the skies

Churches give back to community

— Fireworks will illuminate the skies over Pea Ridge Sunday night.

What began as a church picnic followed by fireworks for the community has, in four years, grown to an event for nearly 2,000 people.

The fourth annual Freedom Fest is set for 5 p.m. Sunday, June 27, on the grounds of Pea Ridge Assembly of God church, 577 Weston St.

“We’ll provide 1,700 meals this year,” said pastor Edwin Brewer, owner of USA Fireworks.

Wanting to give back to his community, Brewer said he beganthe festival similar to one in another community.

“People think the church just wants something from you, your money. But, we wanted the church to give to the community,” Brewer said, adding that he donates the fireworks - about $4,800 worth. He said firefighters from the Pea Ridge Volunteer Fire Department detonate the fireworks.

The fireworks are discharged from the land just north of Summit Meadows subdivision north of Slack Street, south of Hazelton Road and west of Weston Street.

There will be 400 hamburgers, 400 chicken sandwiches, 800 hot dogs, chips and drinks provided free of charge, according to Judy Majors, secretary/treasurer of the church. In addition, there will be free snow cones, cotton candy and ice cream cones.

A car show and inflatables for children will also be part of the event. Bands will provide music through the evening and everything will culminate with the fireworks display at dark.

Freedom Fest is sponsored by the Pea Ridge Assembly of God, New Life Fellowship, New Life Church and Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church. Other contributors include Arvest Bank, Community First Bank, Pea Ridge Veterinary Clinic, Marvin’s Foods, Jim’s Razorback Pizza, Pea Ridge Optimist Club, McDonalds of Pea Ridge,Subway of Pea Ridge, Dollar General, Fred’s, Tysons, Frito Lay, Little Debbie’s, Roll-Off, Olive Garden, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pea Ridge Florist, Golden Corral, Mount Ne Chicken, Braum’s of Rogers and Krispy Kreme.

Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

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ORDINANCE

◊ THE SALE AND DETONATION OF FIREWORKS IS PROHIBITED WITHIN THE

CITY LIMITS OF PEA RIDGE, ACCORDING TO CITY ORDINANCE.

◊THERE ARE TWO FIREWORKS STANDS ON SLACK STREET◊ARKANSAS

HIGHWAY 72◊, BUT BOTH ARE ON LOTS IN THE COUNTY, NOT CITY.

◊THE FIREWORKS STAND JUST WEST OF THE FORMER NAPA STORE IS

OPERATED BY A PRIVATE BUSINESS.

◊THE FIREWORKS STAND JUST EAST OF IT’LL DO ROAD IS OPERATED BY

PEA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY CHEERLEADERS.

News, Pages 1 on 06/23/2010