Freedom Fest

"A Celebration of America's Freedom and a Salute to America's Veterans"

Freedom Fest is an annual, small-town patriotic celebration of America's Freedom and a salute to
America's Veterans which is held each year in the small northwest Missouri community of Skidmore.
Originating in 1988 as a way for a WWII father to express a heartfelt "welcome home" to his Vietnam
veteran son, the event has developed throughout the past 18 years to become, in the hearts of many
of its participants, one of the finest, free, family-oriented patriotic celebrations in the country. The
event was originally co-sponsored by the Skidmore American Legion Post #411 and the patriotic
music group, Britt Small & Festival. Since 1993, Freedom Fest has been sponsored by an
independent non-profit Freedom Fest Committee.

Each year,  Freedom Fest honors a particular group of veterans. In past years, the event offered
special recognition to WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and Desert Storm veterans. Women veterans, Native
Americans, peace-time veterans, disabled veterans, and the families of America's veterans have also
been honored. In 1996, 1997, and 1999, Freedom Fest had the esteemed honor to host The
Moving Wall, the half-size traveling Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. The replica of our national memorial
was on display on the Nodaway-Holt Elementary School grounds in Skidmore, twenty-four hours a
day for seven days each year. In 1996, the ground on which the memorial stood was consecrated by
Chief Jim Whitecloud Rhodd of the Iowa Indian Nation. That year an estimated 35,000 people from
27 states came to view the memorial. During each of these years, nearly 2,000 area school children
also came to visit the 58,202 fallen patriots on "The Wall." Skidmore is the smallest community in
America to host The Moving Wall three times.

Freedom Fest has traditionally been held over a two-day weekend. In 1997, the event expanded to
three days, and in 1998, to four. Saturday typically features the most activities with a multitude of
bands performing free concerts, and many speakers covering a wide range of patriotic themes. Many
of these participants have been known on a national level. Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis
has appeared during 13 consecutive years. Decorated veterans such as the Rev. John Steer and John
Musgrave also appear every year. Freedom Fest always has a special concert by Britt Small. Many
other local, regional and nationally known speakers and entertainers make regular appearances at the
event. Country music entertainer Leroy Van Dyke, "The Worlds Most Famous Auctioneer", also
appeared during two consecutive years. In 2002, Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000
attended. Heather spent her year-long reign focusing on the needs of all veterans.

In addition to the stage area, Freedom Fest regularly offers many other family and patriotic oriented
activities. A wide variety of different food, merchandise and craft vendors participate each year, as
well as many fun-filled events from box car races to car and motorcycle exhibitions. In 1997 and
2002, Freedom Fest featured the original 50-star American Flag and its designer, Bob Heft.  Since  
Freedom Fest '98  we have also featured a live bald eagle each year. Huey, Chinook and Cobra
helicopters have often been exhibited, and the POW/MIA Freedom Flight hot air balloon has flown
overhead. Living versions of the 3-Fighting-Men and the Vietnam Women's Memorials were
presented at the conclusion of the Saturday night concert for many years. Special raffles and auctions
each year have proven to be real crowd pleasers. An all-faith church service is held on Sunday to
officially conclude the event. The Tarkio Academy 50-piece Choir has often participated during this
service.

Freedom Fest continues to grow each year. We would be proud and honored to have you join us this
year, and every year. "Welcome Home."



The goal of Freedom Fest each year is to help our veterans, and to help teach patriotism to our
children and communities. Each year our speakers talk to local school kids about patriotism and
freedom, and how important both are in the lives of all people. Freedom Fest also holds events and
fund-raisers throughout the year in which patriotism and freedom are further discussed and
encouraged. Additionally, Freedom Fest ensures that perfect American  flags fly within our
communities.  Freedom Fest also helps provide POW/MIA flags for the community. Our success
each year is judged by whether or not we have helped our veterans. If we have helped-- in any way--
just one veteran, then indeed our goal has been met. To date, we are proud to say that yes, we have
succeeded in our goals.



Through the years, many have laughed at our patriotic theme, and have futher asked, "Why do you
bother?" Since 9/11, it seems everyone has suddenly jumped on the patriotic bandwagon. This is
good. Patriotism is good. People should be proud of their country, their freedoms, and those that have
helped preserve those freedoms. As has been said for many years by a Freedom Fest regular, it is
not enough to be willing to hold the flag, you have to be willing to stand with it, it in a stiff wind.

"Freedom Fest was patriotic, when patriotic wasn't cool."

Freedom Fest
PO Box 83
Skidmore, Missouri  64487
660-928-3324
skidmorefreedomfest@yahoo.com