Summer Highlight Reel: Freedom Fest

Freedom Fest is a long standing Murray tradition, and the highlight of every Murray summer! We’re breaking down all the favorites album worthy moments of this year’s celebration, so you can mark your calendars and get your cameras ready.

---

Gary Taylor Memorial Boy Scout Ham Breakfast

Start your day off right with the 51st Annual Gary Taylor Memorial Ham Breakfast, hosted by Boy Scout Troop 45. Beginning at 7 AM, stop by First United Methodist Church to fuel up for a jam packed 4th! Tickets can be purchased ahead of time from any member of Troop 45, or for $10 at the door. Children under 5 get in free. The breakfast proceeds will go directly back to Boy Scout Troop 45 to fund activities and events. The breakfast runs until 9:15 AM, so make sure to get in while you can! 

---

Growing Wild Main Street Mile

For those looking to get some blood pumping early in the day, the Growing Wild Main Street Mile is a great tradition to get involved in. This one-mile race starts at 10th and Main and stretches down the parade route through downtown Murray. If running isn’t your speed, walkers and strollers are highly encouraged!  This year's race begins at 8:45 AM so be sure to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to set up and cheer on the runners! 

Registration is $25 and participants who sign up by June 18 get a T-shirt included in their registration.

---

FNB Bank Freedom Fest Parade

The FNB Bank Freedom Fest Parade is a celebration highlight filled with creativity, community and plenty of patriotic spirit. From classic cars to firetrucks and community bands, the Freedom Fest parade displays all the unique charm and tradition for Freedom Fest. Starting at 9:30 AM the parade runs from 10th Street (near Memorial Baptist Church) down Main Street, and ends at Cherry Street, leaving plenty of spots to set up and watch. Get your blankets and lawn chairs ready, and don’t forget to bring an extra bag for treats from the floats!

---

The Murray Bank Bomb-Pop-Ups

The Central Park Pool is a 4th of July hotspot, and this year the Murray Bank is bringing more ways to beat the heat with free Bomb Pops from the Ice Cream Machine! From 1:00 to 1:30 PM, enjoy a free Bomb Pop from the Murray Bank Ice Cream Machine set up at the Central Park Pool. 

---

MSU Town and Gown Community Band Concert

For those looking for some indoor fun this 4th of July, the Town and Gown Community Band is having a free concert inside Lovett Auditorium at 7:00 PM. Be sure to look for familiar faces from the community on stage as you take in stunning classic patriotic tunes while staying cool!

---

The Murray Bank Fireworks Extravaganza

It’s time for Freedom Fest to go out with a bang during the Murray Bank Fireworks Extravaganza! Starting at 9:00 PM, The Murray Bank will be closing out Freedom Fest with a photo-worthy patriotic fireworks display. The Fireworks are visible from anywhere on HWY 641 North, near Walmart, Kroger and Lowe’s. 

---

The Downtown Murray Farmers Market

Keep your 4th of July weekend going at the Downtown Murray Farmers Market on Saturday! From fresh produce to unique artisan goods and delicious treats, the market has something for everyone. The Downtown Murray Farmers Market will be open from 7:00 AM to noon on the Murray Court Square.

Be sure to stay up to date on all things Freedom Fest by following our Facebook page @FreedomFest or visiting the Freedom Fest website!

For a complete list of events going on in Murray this summer, check out our events page.