The 2009 Leitchfield Freedom Fest was deemed a huge success by citizens and organizers alike.

“I think the citizens of Grayson County thought this was going to be the Ice Cream Festival just under a different name and when they came out they were pleasantly surprised at all that was going on,” said Freedom Fest Organizer, Ken Roberts.

With over 50 vendor booths set up, a few carnival rides and tons of different events happening during the three-day festival there was a lot going on.

“This year was really an experiment,” said Roberts. “We had a lot of people come up with a lot of great ideas and were not sure how many of those events would actually take shape and we are thrilled with the way things turned out.”

The entertainment was different this year from past years and I think the residents of Leitchfield were surprised, reported Roberts.

“The quality of bands that played, from the local bands to regional artists were excellent,” said Roberts. “There were between 80 and 100 girls in the pageant, about 50 booths and interactive but everything was family orientated.”

One local resident of Lee Lane thanked Roberts for the event telling him that this was the best festival that has been held at the middle school since they moved there.

Roberts sent out a special thank you to; the Leitchfield Fire Department for the pancake breakfast, Sherry Vincent and Kristie Bolton for the tennis tournament, Michael Huff for the car stereo contest, Sharon and Phil Glover for the motorcycle ride, Kindra Ewing and Tara Elder for the 5K run, Rick and Joyce Embry for the bike ride, Kim Higdon, Chris Roberts and Amy Cave for the beauty pageant, Jacob Skaggs for the skate contest and Missy Mudd for the music and Tommy Glascock for the stage.

“Mostly I would like to thank the Leitchfield City Council and the mayor for their support,” said Roberts. “Without their support we would not have been able to offer any of this to the community.”

Roberts went on to add how much he appreciated the many volunteers who helped to shape the first Freedom Fest and hesitated to begin naming all of those who helped for fear of leaving someone out.

“Almost everything we tried worked out. There were over 20 bikes in the bike ride and 39 runners in the 5k,” said Roberts. “But I thought the Sunday praise service was by far the best part.”

The fireworks display that took place late Saturday night was typically the final event of the festival but this year the festivities continued into Sunday Morning with a Freedom through Praise event.

Several churches in the community came together and worshiped, filling the football field with praise and worship service. After the service the churches shared a meal.

Roberts has already begun planning for next year’s event.

“I have spoken to some carnival companies to add rides to next years festival,” said Roberts. “We are going to build upon the events that were successful this year and are open to any new ideas for next year.”