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FreedomFest in Johnston City continues to grow

by ashley wiehle, the southern

Thursday, July 5, 2007 7:20 AM CDT

JOHNSTON CITY - After 15 years out of the Fourth of July celebration game, Johnston City is back in a big way.

"We hadn't had fireworks in Johnston City in 15 years," said Amy Kee. "So a group of us girls got together to raise the money for fireworks."

That was three years ago, and the Johnston City FreedomFest at Arrowhead Campground is bigger than ever.

The Fourth of July in Johnston City was a day of car shows, patriotic trivia and city firefighters creating an impromptu water park in an athletic field.

Of course, there was some more unconventional celebrating as well.

"Bang for a buck" read the side of a black Dodge Intrepid in orange spray paint. The windshield and back window had been destroyed, and dents across the back of the car were proof that it was a popular exhibit.

The car belonged to Jessica Locke of Johnston City, but it was donated to the Johnston City Fire Department.

"The motor blew and I didn't have the money to fix it," Locke said.

Revelers were invited to take a swing at the car for a dollar. The back window was the first to go.

The day was about letting locals come together and celebrate the Fourth of July. It's gotten a bit bigger every year, and organizers estimated that people would continue to pour in as afternoon hit.

"We expect even more people to come," said Kim Gaddis, a member of the Johnston City Lions Club.

It wasn't just people who made their way out to the celebration. Tannette Wingo of Dixon Springs brought with her a portable petting zoo for kids at the fair.

Wingo brought a llama, goat, miniature donkey and miniature horse, rabbit and a group of chickens and ducks.

It was a popular exhibit for everyone but the llama.

"He's not too happy about being here," Wingo said, laughing and petting the llama, which was making small grunting noises.

ashley.wiehle@thesouthern.com

529-5454 ext. 5807