Party with Purpose on July 4th
Join Springfield Utility Board in scenic Island Park this Independence Day as the utility host Springfield’s biggest and best backyard holiday barbecue – the annual Light of Liberty Celebration and Fundraiser.
Now in its 16th year, the July 4th event is a fundraiser for Project Share, a charity that helps local families who need extra assistance during the winter heating season.
Over the years, funds raised at Light of Liberty have helped hundreds of families stay warm over the winter, while entertaining more than a hundred thousand event goers.
“It’s truly a party with a purpose,” says Jeff Nelson, SUB’s general manager, “ and we love bringing it to our community. We are especially grateful to the area businesses who sponsor the event. It’s because of their support that we can keep ticket prices so low.”
In fact, advance tickets are just $5, available at either SUB’s main office or either Jerry’s Home Improvement Center location, and tickets at the gate are just $8. To keep the event affordable for families, kids five and under get in free, as do Springfield veterans and families of active Springfield military (see the event website for details).
Gates open at 4 p.m. with live local bands playing on the main stage early in the event. Then. STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas takes the stage starting at 8 p.m. Get nostalgic singing along to their many hits, including Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, We Build This City (on Rock and Roll), Jane, Fooled Around and Fell In Love, and more.
And if you have kids, Light of Liberty is definitely the place to be – let SUB wear out your kids before the fireworks show!
How? The entire south end of the park is packed with family entertainment, including live music, flamenco and Hawaiian dancers, martial arts demonstrations, pony rides, crafts, a reptile display (if you dare!), carnival games, face painting and more, all free with admission. We’re also pleased to welcome Franz Bakery and their colorful food truck, who will be giving out free grilled cheese samples to hungry patrons (verified delicious!)
Of course, fireworks are the star of the night and start at 10 p.m. Set to music and reflected over the Willamette River, it’s the perfect place to spend a summer evening in Springfield.
For complete event details, including a list of food vendors and all the community-minded sponsors who keep the event coming back year-after-year, please visithttp://www.subutil.com/community/light-of-liberty-celebration/
See you Thursday, July 4th!
