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.

Big Jake welcomes Leon Edwards to the program this morning to announce the return of Wolfe Cattle Company to Du Quoin's Southern Illinois Center for two massive nights of Cord McCoy PRCA Pro Rodeo action and country concerts the 2nd to last weekend in March!

DU QUOIN, IL (FEB 2, 2024) – The Wolfe Cattle Company proudly announces the 3rd Annual Cord McCoy PRCA Du Quoin Pro Rodeo. Once again, the event will happen inside the Southern Illinois Center at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Illinois, on March 22 and 23, 2024.

David Wolfe, the owner, said, “Partnering with Cord McCoy and the PRCA has allowed us to grow this event year after year. This year, we are again planning to bring in some of the nation’s top rodeo competitors and some of the nation's best country music!”

For two nights, fans can experience all that a PRCA Rodeo has to offer. Each night will offer wall-to-wall action featuring some of the best cowboys in the country and the toughest world-class Cord McCoy bulls you’ll ever see! Experience: Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Bronc, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, & Bull Riding!

Stick around after the dust settles for special performances by 2 of the nation's top country music performers. On Friday, March 22^nd, don’t miss one of the most successful crossover artists of all time, Colt Ford! His unique blend of country music, hip hop, and rock & roll has led him to sell over 3 million albums, attracting millions of followers on social media and hitting one billion-plus streams.

On Saturday, March 23^rd, the country music superstar, who has sold over 11 MILLION albums, charted over 20 singles, earned numerous awards and GRAMMY nominations, and garnered over TWO BILLION streams, Trace Adkins will be performing!

All rodeo tickets include entry into the concert. Concert-only tickets are also available for those who would like to come later in the evening. This year, we will be offering VIP tickets as well. VIP tickets will include bleacher seating, access to the VIP section of the concert, and food & drink until the concert begins.

All tickets are on sale now at www.wolfecattlecompany.com! Tickets are only sold from the website via Etix/EDW MKTG. 

Big Jake invites Paul Shields with Allstate Insurance in Mt. Vernon to come sit in on his chat with Elijah & Nicole Adkins. This month you can save on insurance, win some prizes, and help a local family in need. Nolan Adkins is a 4-year-old from our area that is winning, but still recovering from, his fight with cancer. Obviously costs add up and still to this day since being diagnosed, the family is dealing with the costs of care. During the month of March, txt the name "NOLAN" to the Paul Shields, Allstate Insurance text line at 618-242-0094 to get a link for an insurance quote. For every new quote, Paul will donate $20 to the Adkins Family and there is no obligation to you to donate nor agree to switch insurance providers. Paul just wants the chance to potentially help you but for sure, this local family. By participating, you'll also be in the drawing for a jumbo adult Easter egg containing a $100 Visa gift cart, free food gift certificates, chocolate, some Allstate swag, and so much more!