Freedom Fest will honor military men and women at annual celebration.

As a nation at war, it is important to honor the men and women who work to preserve our country's freedom. Friday, Sept. 5, the 21st annual Freedom Fest will get underway in Skidmore.

Visitors from more than 30 states have traveled to Skidmore through the years for the free patriotic celebration. The weekend allows attendees the opportunity to honor men and women who serve our country now and who have served in the past. It is also serves as a reunion for veterans from all generations.

Carla Wetzel, event organizer, said Freedom Fest gives us a chance to give thanks to those who serve our country and to enjoy our freedoms through music and good times.

The event will feature a number of activities, including live music, speakers, ceremonies and exhibits, as well as merchandise and food vendors. Moose, the American bald eagle will make her twelfth appearance this year at Freedom Fest. Other activities will include a pie auction, a motorcycle show and, something new this year, a dog show.

Activities begin Friday morning when Nodaway-Holt students will meet with special guests such as State Representative Mike Thomson, Gulf War veteran Shaun Sprague and Sammy Davis, a Medal of Honor recipient. Mike Cox will also be in attendance, taking a break from his walk from Missouri to Washington DC –– as he attempts to raise awareness about the needs of veterans.

Friday evening features a spaghetti dinner including salad, garlic bread and dessert. The cost is $7 for adults, $3 for ages five to 12 and free for children under the age of five. Following the meal, Dave Small and Michael J. Martin will provide entertainment, along with the popular regional band, Midnight Express.

Opening ceremonies begin the day on Saturday at 10 a.m., with a host of speakers and entertainers scheduled throughout the day. World renowned harmonica player, Phil Duncan, along with local entertainers Britt and Marty Small and many others will provide entertainment for the event.

"This is some of the best classic rock and roll you will hear anywhere around," Wetzel said.

Medal of Honor recipient Sammy Davis will be in attendance again this year.

"One of the things we are most proud of is the attendance of Sammy L. Davis each year," Wetzel said. "Sammy is one of only 101 Medal of Honor recipients still living. The Medal of Honor is our nation's highest honor given for bravery and for saving lives during a war. Of the more than 11 million Americans who have served our country since the Civil War, only 3,448 Medals of Honor have been awarded."

Wetzel said it is possible that a second Medal of Honor recipient will be attending this year's event.
"Don Ballard, from Kansas City, will possibly be with us this year as well," she said. "Having two of these guys here is pretty rare."

An all-faith church service will take place at 10 a.m., Sunday, with the Rev. John Steer sharing a message.

"We invite everyone to attend this free event, especially active-duty or returning service men and women as well as veterans of all wars," Wetzel said. "This is a rare opportunity to bring your family and meet a Medal of Honor recipient, see a bald eagle up close and pay your respects to our veterans. Plus there will be lots of good American music and fun."