Event planners for the Leitchfield Freedom Fest have added a craft fair to the many events planned during the three-day festival that will replace the long-running Ice Cream Festival.

The fair will be open for vendors of all types of pottery, woodworking, hand-made crafts, glass or one-of-a-kind creations.

With many local groups, organizations and businesses jumping on the bandwagon in support of the new and improved fireworks festival at the Grayson County Middle School the second weekend in July will be packed with lots of fun for the entire family.

“Planning for the Leitchfield Freedom Fest 2009 is well underway! Already we are receiving interest to participate from vendors in central and western Kentucky as well as northern Tennessee,” said event coordinator, Ken Roberts. “Our primary goal with this event is to reach out to local vendors, while also inviting those from across the Commonwealth to participate.

We want the focus and flavor of this event to have a local feel, with a regional appeal.”

Anyone interested in selling items at the festival this year is encouraged to fill the simple “Freedom Fest 2009 3 Day Event License” application found at www.leitchfield.org or www.leitchfieldfreedomfest.com. The license fee has been modestly set at $35.00 per vendor to encourage everyone to participate.

Several events are beginning to take shape:

FRIDAY July 10, 2009

The Kickoff

Classic Car Cruise - All classic car owners are encouraged to polish up their ride and join in a Classic Car Cruise through Leitchfield. Cruisers show off their ‘pride and joy’ and all car enthusiasts are invited to attend.

MD Audio Loudest Car Stereo Contest – Event starts at 5PM and will take place in the parking area on Highway 54 at the City Skate Park. Coordinators are working to make this a sanctioned event that will include a range of high end car stereo systems. For more information contact MD Audio or visit http://www.LeitchfieldFreedomFest.com.

Extreme Skate Nite - We are still in the early stages of planning a skate park event that will include music and contests for participants. Be prepared to show off your best moves. Anyone who is interested in assisting in coordination of this event successful should contact Ken Roberts.

Motorcycle ‘Poker Run’ - We are also planning a motorcycle rally for those who like to cruise on two wheels to also take place Friday evening during the car cruise.

Saturday July 11

The Main Event

Arts & Crafts Fair – This past Thursday afternoon an announcement was made confirming the addition of an “Arts & Crafts Fair” which will be held Saturday, July 11 from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The show will be open for vendors of all types of pottery, woodworking, hand-made crafts, glass or one-of-a-kind creations.

Classic Car Contest – Think you had the best car in town Friday night at the car cruise? Prove it! Enter your car in Saturday’s Classic Car Show that will take place on the front lawn of the Grayson County Middle School.

5K Freedom Fun Run/Walk - We are currently mapping out a course for a 5K Freedom Fun Run/Walk Saturday morning. Details of times, precise route and sign-up procedures will be announced shortly.

“Best BBQ” Cook-off - We are inviting ALL community churches to set up and participate in this special event. Saturday we will feature a church-sponsored “Best BBQ” contest which will be decided by popular vote!

Beauty Pageant - Beauty pageants are being planned and should take place in the Grayson County Middle School Auditorium. Details for registration, individual classes and time schedules will be published as soon as they are finalized. We are already receiving donations for winners for each class and are excited with the opportunity to continue this tradition.

Live Music Featuring Local Artists - Local live music will feature local artist Leslie Rafferty as well as the contemporary Christian band “United” on the main lawn of the middle school grounds throughout the afternoon and evening hours Saturday.

The Grand Finale Fireworks - Fireworks will be featured shortly after sunset. We have several surprises already planned during this event, and live music will continue after the finale to provide entertainment for those who want to stay out a bit later.

Sunday July 12

Closing Ceremonies

Free Outdoor Concert - A free concert will be held on the middle school grounds beginning at 10:30AM

We have several exciting events that are still in the planning stages. Success of these events will depend on community interest and participation, and we need people who to step up and offer their help to realize these plans. These events include:

Community-wide “bring-your-own” picnic Sunday at noon

“Inflatable City” outdoor entertainment for children

Pancake Breakfast Saturday morning

Carnival rides throughout the weekend of the festival

“Sundae” Social for all community members for Sunday afernoon.

We will be updating our website www.LeitchfieldFreedomFest.com as details on these and other events develop.