Freedom Fest set to light up evening

The second annual Nature Coast Freedom Fest 2009 will take place today at the Florida Classic Park on Lockhart Road.

It's billed as an Independence Day celebration with a fireworks display and fun for the whole family.

Organizers said the festival is an effort to provide an annual patriotic celebration for the entire family to enjoy.

There will be a live concert featuring the Birdsong Family and Lindsey Taylor. The headliner is platinum-selling country recording artist Rodney Atkins.

The festivals theme is "For God and Country," and will feature Atkins singing his No. 1 hits "It's America" and "These Are My People."

Last year's event drew 15,000 people. This year organizers are expecting more than 30,000 to attend.

Ticket will be available at the gate, which opens at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person and parking is $5 per car. There are also a limited number of "preferred seating" tickets for the concert, which are $25 per person. These tickets include VIP seating for the concert. There will also be a kid's zone with bounce houses, face painting and wall climbing. Food and beverages will be on sale. No coolers will be permitted.

The highlight of the evening will be a fireworks display by Pyrotecnico. This will be the only organized fireworks display in Hernando County.

Florida Classic Park is located at 5630 Lockhart Road, less than a mile west of Interstate 75.