39th Annual Salute to Freedom

VERNON, IL— 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.