Fireworks on tap for Freedom Fest

GOSHEN — Orange County is preparing to celebrate the glories of America's freedom and the heroic service of its veterans.
Details of the County's 2017 Freedom Fest fireworks display on Saturday, July 15 at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery were announced by Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus on Monday.
The gates will open for the fireworks show at 3 p.m. and the event, which is free, is set to begin at dusk. Residents can purchase food and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, from vendors throughout the evening.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, Sheriff Carl E. DuBois and County Clerk Annie Rabbitt will join Neuhaus at the popular event, which will include a special salute to all the veterans in attendance. Roughly 5,000 spectators attended the Freedom Fest last year.
“The County has received a great response since we brought this event back two years ago, and I expect Freedom Fest to continue to grow,” Neuhaus said. “We are looking forward to hosting this family-friendly community event again, and we anticipate another great turnout this year. Come out with your family and friends for a wonderful celebration.”
Orange County has partnered with the Committee for the Families of War Veterans to bring the show to residents. The group, which is non-partisan and nonproft, was founded in 2007 to raise funds for returning veterans and current soldiers, as well as service members wounded in combat and their families. The Black Dirt Bandits from Pine Island will headline the entertainment at the event.
The Bandits opened for the legendary Charlie Daniels Band at The Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill last month. Their five-track album, Extended Play, debuted last October on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and GooglePlay.
Popular local bands The Manaklin Brothers and the New York Swing Exchange will also perform at Freedom Fest.
Vendor spaces (10-by-10 feet) are available. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Barbara Allen at ballen@orangecountygov.com.
For information on the event, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845-291-3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.