Kevin Skinner, winner of "America's Got Talent" to headline Freedom Fest concert
Thousands of people from all over our region gathered around their televisions on September 16, 2009. They waited anxiously to see who would win "America's Got Talent," and hope that their local favorite, Kevin Skinner, would be the one to take home the top prize. Their wish came true.
Skinner was named the top vote-getter and was awarded $1 million and a headlining show in Las Vegas, Nev. Now he is coming home to play for the fans who voted him to the top. One of the regions favorite concerts, the Freedom Fest Concert featuring Kevin Skinner and Sierra Hull & Highway 111 will be Saturday, July 3 at the Regional Special Events Center in Murray, Ky. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m.
“This region was proud of Kevin Skinner and his victory on ‘America's Got Talent.' We are looking forward to celebrating his success with a full RSEC and spectacular Briggs & Stratton fireworks afterwards,” said Erin Carrico, festival director of Freedom Fest. Event organizers think that having the concert inside the RSEC will bring a whole new atmosphere to the concert, Carrico said. Concert-goers will not have to worry about weather when making concert plans. This will allow listeners to enjoy the music free of heat, wind, rain or storms.
Up-and-coming bluegrass artist Sierra Hull & Highway 111 will open the show. Hull began playing the mandolin at age eight and quickly became noted on the national festival scene for her fluid, inventive picking. In addition to her expert mandolin playing, Hull's striking Alison Krauss-like sound often amazes audiences. She, along with her band, Highway 111, will take the stage from 7-7:45 p.m.
Since winning "America's Got Talent," Kevin Skinner has headlined a show in Las Vegas, released his CD, Long Ride, and is currently touring the country. Fans, as well as the "America's Got Talent" judges, loved Kevin for his sincerity and ability to move listeners. Kevin will begin performing at 8 p.m.
Directly following the concert will be the Briggs & Stratton Fireworks Extravaganza. Concert attendees may watch the fireworks from the practice football field, right outside of RSEC entrance B.
Tickets for the Freedom Fest Concert featuring Kevin Skinner and Sierra Hull & Highway 111 are on sale now at the RSEC box office, or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $10-15.
Kentucky Lake holds summer fun for visitors, locals
 One of the best aspects of warm weather is the freedom to enjoy more of the outdoors. Murray is home to many exceptional outdoor attractions, one of which is Kentucky Lake. This man-made body of water offers an assortment of activities to enjoy nature at its best.
Known as the “Crappie Capital” of the world, Kentucky Lake is abundant with crappie year round. The lake has many other varieties of fish such as blue gill, spots, red ear, shell cracker, striper, saugers, and plenty of bass as well. With so many types of fish and 2,300 miles of shoreline, scoring a great catch should not be a problem.
Kentucky Lake is also well known for many of its other outdoor activities. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, boating, biking and swimming are many of the other aspects of the lake area that are great for families and individuals.
Aside from the many outdoor adventures, there are opportunities for go-karts, train rides, water parks and more. Kentucky Lake area also has many resorts and RV parks to accommodate all types of visitors.
Whether it’s fishing crappie and bass in the lake or hiking in the woods, the Kentucky Lake offers many opportunities for visitors and locals to experience a more “laid-back” way of life, if only for a short time.
For more information visit www.tourmurray.com or call 800.651.1603.
Freedom Fest preparations in full swing
Friday, July 2, brings the smell of BBQ to the downtown Court Square. Squealin' on the Square, Freedom Fest's annual KCBS-sanctioned grilling competition will bring some of the nation's top competitors to Murray. Bacon in the Sun, an amateur grilling competition, is back for its second year. This competition gives cooking enthusiasts from all over the region the chance to prove that they are the best. Participants may enter any of the four categories: pork, poultry, ribs and dessert. Entries will be judged on appearance, tenderness and taste.
At 4:30 p.m. the Freedom Fest festivities will officially begin at the Opening Ceremony on the Main Stage on the downtown Court Square. Ronda Dunn, wife of Murray State University President Randy Dunn will usher in the weekend by singing the National Anthem. Directly after, Chris Black, a Paducah musician will kick-off the Red, White and Blue Block Party. Next, Murray native Kaci Bolls will sing. "I'm so excited to be asked to play at Freedom Fest this year,” Bolls said. “Having been born and raised in Murray I'm well aware how much fun it is here on the 4th. We usually try to come in from Nashville just to see Murray's Fireworks!”
 Murray favorite Clarence Dobbins will close out the night. His band, the Clarence Dobbins Revue, played at Freedom Fest 2009 and packed the Court Square. His toe-tapping rhythm and blues provides an atmosphere of dancing and celebration. Admission to the concert is free.
While enjoying the music of the block party, festival-goers can browse the vendors of the Tumbleweed Street Fair. Food, games, arts and crafts will fill the square. Also, for the little ones, the AT&T Kids' Zone will feature free inflatables as well as other fun games and activities for kids.
Saturday, July 3, the street fair and kids' zone will be back in full swing following the FNB Bank Parade. The parade has been called the "world's largest small town parade" and will feature spectacular displays of patriotism. Later that day, Bark in the Park, at Central Park, creates a great way to celebrate the holiday with your favorite furry friend.
The celebrations will peak Saturday night, beginning at 7 p.m. when Sierra Hull & Highway 111 and Kevin Skinner take the stage at the Regional Special Events Center. Following the concert is the Briggs & Stratton Fireworks Extravaganza at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks can be viewed from the Walmart, Kroger or Lowe's parking lots, or from the MSU practice football field outside of RSEC entrance B. 
Sunday, July 4 is a day to celebrate families and togetherness. At 7:30 a.m. is the VFW Rededication of the Court Square Memorial. Later that afternoon, a Freedom Fest favorite, Family Day in the Park will be held at Central Park. Family Day in the Park is so great because it offers families a fun time together free of cost. Inflatables, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and a clown are just a few of the great activities planned. Family Day in the Park will be held from 3-6 p.m. Those attending are welcome to stick around for the Murray Bank Gospel Explosion, a gospel concert beginning at 5:30. This concert will take place at the Central Park Amphitheatre.
Following the concert, the Woodmen of the World will demonstrate how to properly dispose of an American Flag at its Flag Burning Ceremony. All of Sunday's events are free.
For more information on these events, or for a detailed schedule, visit www.tourmurray.com, call 800.651.1603 or e-mail stephaniebutler@tourmurray.com.
Find Freedom Fest 2010 on Twitter and Facebook.
 Deana Wright
Manager, Murray Main Street
How long have you lived in Murray?
12 years
What is your favorite Murray memory?
My favorite memory is of Freedom Fest, the first year we had a band on the Court Square. MurrVegas played and people filled the square and were sitting on the Court House lawn. At 11:00 at night, the sprinklers at the Court House went off, but everyone kept dancing!
What is your favorite restaurant in Murray? What is your favorite dish there?
"The Works" salad at Mugsy's, downtown.
If you had $75 to spend in Murray, what would you buy?
I would eat dinner at Mugsy's and buy a purse at Serendipity on the Square.
Describe Murray in 3 words.
Warm, welcoming and family-oriented.
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Upcoming Events
Continuous, Every Saturday through October
Downtown Saturday Market
Downtown Square
Murray Main Street
(270) 759-9474
www.murraymainstreet.org
June 3- 5: 4-H Horse Camp
"Bill" Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center
101 College Farm Road, Murray, KY, 42071, US
(270) 809-3125
June 3-5, 10-12 & 17: Gallery 109 Spring Exhibition
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Gallery 109 & Fairbanks Studio
109 N. 3rd St.
Murray, KY, 42071
(917) 710-3694
www.gallery-109.com
June 4-5: Central States Rodeo Association Rodeo
8:00 pm
CSRA Rodeo Dynamite Series
Arena Info (270).492-6144
www.statelineranchandhome. com
June 5: 5k Run/Walk
(270)753-4363,
Calloway Co. High School
June 6: District 7 4-H Horse Show
(270)809-3125,
"Bill" Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center
June 11-27: Smoke on the Mountain Top
Playhouse in the Park
www.playhouseinthepark.net
(270) 759-1752
June 18-19: Hannigan Happening
Downtown Court Square
June 19: District Hog Show
(270) 809-3125,
"Bill" Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center
June 24-26: Western Rivers Livestock Show
(270) 809-3125
"Bill" Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center
June 26: TNT Roping Series
(270) 492-6144
TNT Arena
June 28-July 4: Hazel Dealer’s Choice Sale
Antique Shopping
Hazel, KY
July 2-4: Freedom Fest
(270) 759-2199
www.tourmurray.com
July 3: Kevin Skinner in Concert
7 -9 p.m.
RSEC
(270) 809-5577
www.ticketmaster.com
July 9-10: Central States Rodeo Association
8 p.m.
(270) 492-6144
TNT Arena
July 24: TNT Roping Series
TNT Arena
(270) 492-6144
July 30-August 1: Willy Wonka Kids
Playhouse in the Park
www.playhouseinthepark.net
August 7: Iris Sale
Murray Main Street
(270) 759-9474
www.murraymainstreet.org
August 13-14: Central States Rodeo Association
8 p.m.
(270) 492-6144
TNT Arena
August 21: TNT Roping Series
(270) 492-6144
TNT Arena
Want more? For details on the events listed, and the most up-to-date events, visit our Calendar of Events Online.
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