Freedom Fest
Fabulous local fireworks show
Organizers estimate 10,000 in attendance
Every Freedom Fest the City of Porterville pulls out all the stops and treats the public to a wiz-bang fabulous fireworks show that lasts seemingly forever.
It was another such presentation Saturday night as the colorful light and sound show lasted a full 30 minutes and was enjoyed by all.
According to Donnie Moore, Director of Porterville Parks and Leisure there was an estimated 10,000 people in attendance.
Many people said Freedom Fest, which is has been around for the past seven years, continued to grow in popularity every year, with
more and more people attending from out of town. One man was even visiting his family from Alaska, and another had driven from Dinuba to attend the show.
If the hundreds of cars parked in the Sports Complex parking lots were anything to go by, and the loads of tents and easy-ups sheltering large gatherings of families barbecuing and picnicking, the festival was hugely successful once again.
Loads of children and youngsters ran around and played with giant beach balls, glowing lightsabers and whirligigs enjoying themselves well into the evening, even during the fireworks.
Rosalva Maldonado said celebrating the independence of the country meant that she could continue to live the way she wants to live. She has two sons who have just entered the Marines “so the 4th of July means a lot more,” she proudly said.
Dennis Ignacio sat with his mother-in-law, Debbie Owens, her daughter and two grandchildren, who “were anxious to get wet.”
It was their first time at the Freedom Fest, said Ignacio and it was nice to see the community get together to celebrate.
“It’s great to see the WWII war birds flying over with their piston engines. We are having a good time here,” said Owens as they were celebrating her granddaughter Irene’s eighth birthday.
Flocks of children and their parents were all running to get wet when the water cannon sprayed water hundreds of feet in the air every couple of hours, which also cooled the air for a short time.
Volunteers Nancy Kelly, Arthur Demerath, Phillip Duncan and many other like-minded people were all helping the Parks and Leisure Services Department make the festival run smoothly.
“People are having a good time with their families and Parks and Leisure does a nice job,” said Demerath.
Susie Montijo-moore and her bother, Jesse Montijo, and friend, Jesse Holguin, from the Tule River Indian Reservation sat in a shady spot and enjoyed the evening.
“It’s always nice to be here every year,” said Montijo-moore, “and seeing the families having fun and getting wet. The vintage airplanes are awesome. We are just waiting for the fireworks. It’s nice to see everyone getting together in the community.”
Mike and Karen Childress sat with their granddaughter, Jazzy. They own and run Crane’s Towing in town.
“It’s a lot cooler this year than last, and it seems like there are a lot more people,” Mike said. “We are having a good time. It’s nice and relaxing. Normally we have the whole family here, but they are in Las Vegas.
“We like to be involved with all the community events. Everyone in Porterville has been very good to us and we enjoy what we are doing,” he added.
Throughout the evening the Blue Jackets played music and the E&M Reptile Family gave a packed show to the community.
Yuliana Andrade and her husband, Francisco, played with their son, 2-year-old Lucas, who had a huge 3-foot beach ball and a sparkling whirligig toy. Their parents and family members enjoyed spending time together after having a meal.
“We are excited to be here,” said Yuliana, who assists John Lollis, the Porterville city manager. “We attended the first Freedom Fest, but this is the first time we are back and we’re having fun and the weather is great. We’re enjoying the music and dancing. It’s another great event from Parks and Leisure.”