The Freedom Fest board of directors met in January to discuss the future of the event after looming financial difficulties came to a head in 2012. The result is a more streamlined Freedom Fest that will continue the celebration with less of a financial burden.

The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau is in charge of planning and executing the event. According to Erin Carrico, executive director of the Murray CVB, Freedom Fest has always struggled financially. Since the beginning, Freedom Fest has never existed to make a profit. However, it has always been a challenge for it to break even. In 2012 we saw sponsorships down and expenses at an all-time high, leaving the event unable to pay its bills, she said.

One of the reasons Freedom Fest struggles each year is it has always been a free event, relying solely on support from sponsors and donations. With the economic downturn we have seen a reduction in sponsorships and advertising, which in turn hurts the bottom line, Carrico said.

"After reviewing Freedom Fest's financial situation, we knew some things had to change, said Deana Wright, chair of the Freedom Fest board of directors.

A plan to cut expenses while also refocusing the event was presented to the board at the January meeting. "I think with this new plan we have narrowed the focus of Freedom Fest. Before, we would try to have a little something for everyone. Now, each event will be targeted and have the potential for more growth," Wright said.

Freedom Fest, which has in the past been a three-day event, will now last only two days. Family Day in the Park, which has been on Sunday, will be moved to Saturday night and centered around the fireworks. The fireworks are shot off at 9:30 p.m. and visible from Central Park. Activities will largely remain the same with inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo and non-profit vendors. In addition, a local band will perform at the amphitheater and food vendors will be present.

"I am excited about the changes for Saturday night," Wright said. "Since the Freedom Fest concert ended, Saturday night has been lacking in activities. Thousands of people line (U.S.) Hwy. 641 to watch the fireworks, and then they go home. This gives them more options than just a 15-minute fireworks show." She added that the Town and Gown Community Band Concert will still take place before the fireworks, as it did in 2012.

There are other changes being made to Freedom Fest this year to cut expenses. This includes canceling Bacon in the Sun (an amateur barbecue competition), not having inflatables at Kids' Zone Friday night and changing the event guide, which was previously a 28-page book, to a smaller brochure.

"I am confident that these changes will not only solve Freedom Fest's financial difficulties, but also make the event better. I think we will see it grow over the next few years," Wright said.

Freedom Fest 2013 will take place June 28-29. More information can be found by calling the Murray CVB at 759-2199.

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Changes announced for Freedom Fest 2013