WMIX and Allstate Insurance Agent in Mt. Vernon, Paul Shields are giving you 2 separate opportunities to go to the CMA awards November 20th in Nashville. First, you can text c-m-a to the Paul Shields Allstate Insurance text line, 618-242-0094 and follow the instructions.

Your other chance to win is also your chance to help some local kids in Jefferson County have a great Christmas this year through the Jefferson County Toys for Kids. Go to the Jefferson County Toys for Kids Facebook page or to jeffcotoysforkids.org and bid on two lower level seats to country music’s biggest night. All the proceeds from the auction go to benefit the Toys for Kids…just in time for Christmas!

Two great opportunities from Jefferson County Toys for Kids, Paul Shields at Allstate Insurance in Mt. Vernon, and your COMMUNITY LEADER in SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, 94.1FM, WMIX!

Angela Schrum & Jason Hulbert stopped by the show to discuss Friday's Food & Art Fest every week this summer in downtown Mt. Vernon and the upcoming Mt. Vernon Brewers Festival. enjoymtvernon.com to learn more after the interview, find their Facebook page @mtvfestivals for event info and ticket link information too!

https://beerfests.com/events/mt-vernon-homebrewers-festival?fbclid=IwY2xjawKtRwhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVbUxTV1F5WDNOdUk5QjVnAR5dV-5xe3uopEBOFyFIo4kRsuz0VM8fUHS_xHhVKSkZ5iJCxKG_SZ5bLjYXEQ_aem_CqBO3EUlCNnaHK1lBwzF6A

https://enjoymtvernon.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKtRrpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVbUxTV1F5WDNOdUk5QjVnAR66e4xHLMB04bLGR3YzDRt7aWWauQqxBzWrdnZ9EprNKtZP8bHc47enSe4EWg_aem_WwlFdbfyNYe-JMU-dDntgA

Angela joins Big Jake's show to discuss Mt. Vernon’s beloved Salute to Freedom returns for its 39th year on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. This free, family-friendly celebration features a full evening of food, fun, and fireworks.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with free admission and free parking. A wide variety of local food vendors will be on site, including:

American Ice Cream

Billy Bob’s BBQ

Buttercup’s Hand-Dipped Ice Cream

Crazy Asian Eats

El Ranch Taco Truck

Fat Jack’s / Melissa’s Place

Hamp’s Concessions

Launay Concessions

R & J Arctic Oasis

Simply Soul

Snowie

Taco Jo’s

Tommy D’s Flavored Freeze

Uncle Joe Sauces

In addition to great food, families can enjoy pay-to-play activities, including inflatables, face painting, laser tag, and more, provided by:

Brandy’s Fancy Faces

Party Up Inflatables

R & J Tactical Lazer Tag

R & J Gelly Ball

R & J Mobile Arcade

Market Days vendors will be set up with unique local goods and crafts. Confirmed vendors include:

618 Freeze Dried Sweets & Treats

All Shook Up

Avon

Franklin County Christian Action Council

Gravity Falls

Laura Seidel

Punk You Out

SPIRIT OF ART

The Happy Hippie

Uncle Randy's Sweets and More

Gene’s Fishing & Pointy Things

… and more!

Live entertainment begins at 5:00 p.m. with a live DJ, followed by a performance from Edwin Linson at 6:30 p.m. The grand finale fireworks show will begin around 9:00 p.m.

The Mt. Vernon Lions Club will operate a shuttle service from the parking area. After the event, attendees needing transportation back to their vehicles should visit the Mt. Vernon Tourism tent near the main stage.

Please note: No personal fireworks (including sparklers) or pets are allowed on the grounds.

For more information, visit enjoymtvernon.com or contact Mt. Vernon Tourism at (618) 242-3151.