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.

Executive Director with United Way of South Central Illinois Natalie Shook joins Big Jake to chat about their upcoming Cheeseburger In Paradise themed Annual Dinner on April 19th. Limited tickets are still available and every guest will get a surprise gift valued at $300! Learn more on their Facebook page, by visiting uwsci.org, or check out this interview from WMIX.