“Florence has been ringing the Liberty Bell since 1894”
On July 4th, the Town of Florence will be hosting its 127th Annual Independence Day celebration. The event kicks off at high noon at the Aquatic Center and then transitions over to Heritage Park from 5 PM – 9 PM with food trucks, live music, splash zones, and a Corn Hole Tournament benefiting the Florence High School Baseball Boosters. Fireworks begin at 8:30 PM. Today, the event is called Freedom Fest., but the patriotic traditions harken back to the days before, dating back to 1894.
Events begin at the Florence Aquatic Center, and admission is free with the donation of back-to-school items such as backpacks, notebooks, pencils, paper, etc. Donated items benefit local families. Enjoy two giant outdoor slides, beach entry, DJ, and much more at the Aquatic Center.
At 5 PM, this FREE party gets cranked up when the Freedom Stage kicks off with Pride Through Strife (PTS). PTS has shared the stage with Dirty Heads, Fortunate Youth, Authority Zero, Black Uhuru, and more. Their fusion of Reggae, Alternative Rock, Funk, and positivity is a breath of fresh air.
The Jack, The Ultimate Tribute to AC/DC, hits the Freedom Stage next, and according to the Arizona Star, “The very best live performance of AC/DC you will ever see…next to the real thing!” This 5 piece tribute band has rocked The Whiskey a Go-Go, The River Run, The Historic Rialto Theatre, and Alice Cooperstown Farewell Show.
Mr. Skynyrd – Presenting the Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Experience closes out the Freedom Stage. They’ll provide an authentic tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and their music. John Giles, Marketing Director for Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, stated, “Mr. Skynyrd rocked the house! Mr. Skynyrd’s authentic look and sound are unmatched by any Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band performing today.”
This year’s patriotic salute is brought to you by the American Legion Post 9 and will include posting the colors and a Military Tribute. This year’s Memorial Salute is dedicated to Singleman 3rd Class George Feliz, who served in the Navy during World War II. He was a Florence man through and through and fought at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After two days and nights in the water, he was picked up by a Landing Ship Tank. Petty Officer 3rd Class Feliz was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and the Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal.
Special Thanks: Florence Fire & Medical Department, The Florence CERT Team, Florence Police Department, American Legion Post 9, Florence High School Baseball Boosters, Aquatic Center Staff, and the Florence Town Council