A new Fourth of July event in Lawrence will feature a U.S. Constitution reading, local performers, food and family activities.
“July 4th Freedom Fest: Celebrate and Defend Our Constitution” is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 4 at the east shelter in Centennial Park, 2124 W. Ninth St. It’s free to attend.
Co-organizer Pat Willer said the event will celebrate our constitutional rights while acknowledging that “Our democracy, and many of our rights, are under attack.”
“July 4th Freedom Fest is the result of a broad coalition of community groups and individuals who are concerned about the erosion of our democracy,” Willer said in a news release. “With this event, we are joining together to celebrate and defend the rights of our families, friends and all members of our community.”
Barry Washboard Barnes, Lawrence poet and musician, will kick off the event at 11 a.m. with a spoken-word performance.
Then at 11:15 a.m., Amii Castle, University of Kansas law professor, will emcee a 20-minute program in which community members will read selected portions of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Other entertainment will include Lady Liberty singing “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley and “America the Beautiful”; a ventriloquist performance by Bonita Yoder; “Imagine” and “For What It’s Worth,” performed by Mike Yoder and Terry Moore; storytelling by Priscilla Howe; and “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” a singalong led by Ardys Ramberg, according to the release.
Face painting, a bubble station and button making for kids will be available. J.B.’s Tacos and Main St. Scoops and Sweets will have food trucks to purchase bites and beverages. Social justice organizations as well as candidates for Lawrence City Commission and Lawrence school board will share information at tables.
Sponsors include Arc of Justice; Lawrence Indivisible; League of Women Voters – Lawrence/Douglas County; Douglas County Democrats; Lawrence Branch NAACP; Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence; We the People; and Women for Kansas.
For more information or to become a sponsor or host a resource table at the festival, email Willer at ppwiller@gmail.com.
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