Soden’s Grove was extremely busy Sunday, even though it was a cool, breezy morning for the start of the annual Main Street Freedom Fest.
Being the founding city of Veteran’s Day, Main Street Director Casey Woods is proud to host the event to honor all veterans and active duty soldiers.
Hundreds of people took part in the 5K run-walk, bike rides, disc golf tournament and the Spur Challenge. This year, the 5K was sponsored by Cargill. Company spokesman Craig Margeson explains the company sets aside funds each year allowing them to be involved with local events such as Freedom Fest.
For the third year straight, the 16- and 40-mile bike rides this year were sponsored again by Gravel City Adventure Supply. Jim Cummins, spokesman of Gravel City and the Dirty Kanza, was glad to extend a helping hand with the Freedom Fest.
Doug Bjerkaas of Dynamic Discs said the company was glad to be involved for the second straight year.
Steve Harmon, who has been involved with Freedom Fest and All Veteran’s Tribute from the very beginning, explains what proceeds from the day’s event will benefit.
In addition, Main Street and KVOE presented checks to three veterans-related groups or projects as part of the Beyond the Banners effort, which used a magazine developed by Main Street, KVOE and IM Design to tell the stories of the veterans featured in Main Street’s annual banner project now visible from Emporia State University to Soden’s Grove. Checks were presented in the amount of $4,500 each to the Tablets of Honor project, USD 252 Southern Lyon County Honor Flight and to CrossWinds Counseling and Wellness for specialized training.
CrossWinds CEO Amanda Cunningham says the accelerated resolution therapy, or A-R-T, has been well-received by veterans since its inception two years ago.
Tablets of Honor spokesman Frank Lowery says the money will help begin a second phase of work for the tablets.
Honor Flight spokesman Gerald Kehres says the money will help set the foundation for the spring 2019 trip to Washington, D.C.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon, Devon Swartz and Chuck Samples/KVOE News
{gallery}2018 Freedom Fest{/gallery}
