Independence in the Burg

The Eastburg Community Alliance (ECA) celebrated Independence Day with its 11th Annual American Freedom Festival throughout Dansbury Park which is located in East Stroudsburg, PA on Wednesday July 4th. During the Revolution between Great Britain and it’s North American Colonies, the 2nd Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence on July 2nd, 1776 forming a Committee headed by Thomas Jefferson to write a document explaining why the resolution was necessary. The wording of the document was debated and revised the wording until The Declaration of Independence was finally approved on July 4th, 1776.

Several years after the Colonist won their revolution against Great Britain and created a Constitution to establish themselves as a sovereign nation, the United States began honoring the date of July 4th as it’s birthday. This birthday has become a National Holiday celebrated traditionally through private and public gatherings and the launching of fireworks. The 11th Annual American Freedom Festival in East Stroudsburg was just one of these many nationwide celebrations which invited the local community to enjoy some entertainment, an opportunity to meet with their neighbors, and a fireworks display.

The festival provided numerous vendors an opportunity to share  their wares and services with those who came to celebrate. They included The Pocono Community Theater who offers the community an opportunity to enjoy both classic and recently released films, art, and other cultural experienced designed to enhance the artistic quality of life for the local citizenry, the Cassandra Benning Studios who offers portrait and event photographic services, Tutu Princess who offers custom tutus for young children exploring the art of dance, and Leaf Filter Gutter Protection who offers coverings for gutters to prevent clogging from leaves and other objects. There were also a number of vendors offering food and they included The Culinary Experiencing and Catering providing food for both large events and intimate affairs and the Commuter’s Café who provide those who commute to and from PA a tummy satisfying respite from their journeys. In addition to all this, there were booths set up throughout the park such as alternative health care providers Gorman Chiropractics and Reiki Master Carol Petrucci along with The Melon’s Gift organization who is dedicated to end cancer and representatives from the Democrat and Republican Parties were there to gain support for their local, state, and federal candidates and the positions they hold.

In addition to the opportunity to explore and partake the many offerings of the vendors, there was music. The festival began by offering the festival’s attendees opportunities to share their singing talents compliments of Gee-Spot Karaoke. There were quite a few who partook of the offer with varying degrees of musical results. However, their enthusiasm and desire to be seen on stage singing a favorite song was fun to watch and made every performance an enjoyable one. As the day progressed, several bands took the stage with more Karaoke singers performing during the interval it took for each band to prepare for their performance.

One of these bands who performed was called, “Mostly Lows” which consists of Steve Allen on Vocals and Guitar, Luke Booth on Bass and Vocals, Nate Carson on Guitar, and Tom Detrick on Drums. The band is from the East Stroudsburg Area and performed some Alternative, Punk, and emo which is (according to wikipedia) a musical style “characterized by melodic musicianship and expressive, often confessional lyrics.” (According to me) Cool. Their fast paced performance created an additional breathlessness which the 90 degree heat of the day needed no help in doing but the songs they played made their airless sensation a welcomed one. Mostly Lows performs throughout the area and had occasioned The Living Room Open Mic Nite on Sunday Evenings. You can learn more about Mostly Lows and their upcoming shows by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/mostlylows.

A Philadelphian  Alternative Groove Rock were called, “The Great SOCIO” also performed consisting of Alberto Muñoz on Vocals and Trumpet, Matt Montgomery on Piano, Organ, and Synthesizers, Craig Stenger on Bass Guitar, and Drew Bernier on Drums. They played several covers including “Hound Dog” written by #Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in 1952 but made more popular by Elvis Presley in 1956. However, The Great SOCIO’s rendition caused one to forget any version of the song one may have heard as their own unique style and energies took it over and made it their own. This was true for the other songs written by other composers they performed and gave their talents in regards to creating their own work an enhanced appreciations as they often surpassed the qualities of those they re-created. The 11th Annual American Freedom Festival was part of a tour The Great SOCIO is currently presenting throughout the PA, NJ, and NY area which concludes in September. You’ll be able to learn more about the band and the locations of their future performances by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/TGS.Music.

Other performances on the main stage included the 2012 “Shawnee Got Talent” Winners, Pete Begley, The Love7 Dance Group all of which I missed seeing. There were also other stuff going on which I also didn’t partake of. There was a Carnival with rides for children, a public swimming pool, and a 5K run. There was a lot going on that day and I’m sure it would be hard to find anyone who was able to see it all. But, if what I did experience have any indication to enjoyment the performances and activities did provide, I would have to take it on faith they were great.

The festival drew to a close with a performance given by John Donovan (aka the Party Percussionist) and the Alpha Squad V.1 which consisted of Resident DJ Hit/z from Marita’s and Resident DJ Legit from Siamsas which are two local clubs with special guest Guitarist Tom Martini. Dancing was experienced in great numbers throughout the park as hundred took to their feet. You’ll be able to learn more about John Donovan and his talents by visiting his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/JohnDonovanDotBiz.

As the music began to fade away, winners of several raffles were announced along with some words expressing appreciation to those who made this year’s festival possible. It was soon after these closing formalities and the singing of the national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner,” did the annual Fireworks Display begin to take place whose imagery defies any literary description. So, I won’t even try. You’ll be able to see the pictures of the display and other happenings in the Freedom Fest 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151083713685421.491117.636000420&type=1.

The Eastburg Community Alliance was established over 30 years ago by local leaders and business owners and is funded through a combination of local grants, direct fundraising, memberships, and local contributions. Besides their annual Freedom Festival, The Eastburg Community Alliance (ECA) presents a Fall Octoberfest and Winter Holiday Celebration which are yet to be scheduled. You’ll be able to learn more about The Eastburg Community Alliance by visiting their website at www.eastburgalliance.com.