The hot Summer day was filled with music and performances of magic on the park’s main “American Spirit” stage hosted by well known local radio personality Gary from The Gary in the Morning Show which can be found on the recently formed Pocono 96.7 FM Frequency. A number of carnival like rides were also available to children of all ages to enjoy as was a new “Zipline” attraction added to the festival which allowed many to travel from an elevated platform to the ground at a high speed. It looked fun from the ground. Smiles.
There were also a variety of vendors selling merchandise and food to those who visited the park for the day. These included what was designated as Professional Food vendors who sold their cuisines at the price they were accustomed to selling them at along with local food vendors who priced their victuals based upon the economic climate they have become familiar with by living in the area. There was an addition food court established which also presented an opportunity for visitors of the festival to enjoy a game of Bingo provided by the local Elks Club.
In addition to the numerous vendors who sought to sell their wares and services, members of local government as well as several organizations made their presence known to lend their support to the festive endeavor as well as seeking community support for theirs. These included scheduled visits by PA State Representatives Mario Scavello and Rosemary Brown and groups such as The Latin American Alliance of NEPA (LAANEPA). The public swimming pool was also open for the day.
Although the public began entering the park earlier in the day, the festival officially began around 3pm with a performance given by Deb Kenelly who sang the National Anthem of the United States titled, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The anthem’s lyrics is based upon a poem written by Francis Scott Key titled, “Defence of Fort McHenry” which was composed after the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships during the War of 1812. The poem was set to the tune written by John Stafford Smith for a British men's social club known as the Anacreontic Society titled, “The Anacreontic Song” (aka “To Anacreon in Heaven”). The song was quite popular in the United States and was officially made its national anthem on March 3rd, 1931 by a congressional resolution.
As the singing of the US National Anthem concluded, East Stroudsburg Borough Councilman, Pete Begley, took to the stage with his unique string instrument known as “The Stick” which consists of instrument resembling the neck of a guitar with strings attached from one end to the other. It doesn’t have a body like a conventional string instrument but is played by either tapping or plucking the strings in a way compensating for its design. The sound is very interesting as the instrument surprisingly has very rich tonal qualities. You can learn more about Pete Begley and the stick at his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pete.begley.7?fref=ts.
Mr. Begley was followed by guitarist Dub Friendly who played a number of pieces while utilizing his sound system to create a deeper body and tonal cadence to the songs. He was followed by the group known as “The Society” who consists of a number of musicians and singers often seen and enjoyed at The Living Room in Stroudsburg, PA during the weekly Open Mic Nites held every Sunday evening beginning at 7pm. Much of the energies indicative of their individual and collaborative Open Mic Nite performances prevailed throughout the Freedom festival set which were welcomed by not only those who frequent the weekly event but to those who experienced their talents for the very first time.
The Society was followed by the Philadelphian Alternative Groove Rock group called, “The Great SOCIO” who played the festival the previous year and whose presence was a welcomed one to those who made the event a holiday tradition and newcomers alike. You can learn more about The Great SOCIO by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/TheGreatSOCIO?fref=ts.
The Great SOCIO was followed by magician Mark Mysterio who is well known throughout the Pocono Monroe County Area for his ability to delight children of all ages with his illusions and materializations. Laughter mixed with “How he did that?” ponderings filled the audience and enhanced the festival. You can learn more about Mark Mysterio by exploring his Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Mysterrio-Fan-site/214042991493?fref=ts.
Mark Mysterio was followed by the band known as Distorted Voices who rocked the stage, the surrounding area, and all who were fortunate enough to be in hearing distance of their high octave performance which was mixed with a double helping of intense voltage designed to set every rocker and non rocker ablaze through their audio firework display. The band performed into the night alongside special guests Hunter Monroe and the legendary J. T. Carter who is well known for the compositions he created during the 50s and 60s. There were also a number of audience members who joined the band and their guests on stage as they presented their final song to the great delight of those who cheered them on. You can learn more about Distorted Voices by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Distorted-Voices/261891325214?fref=ts.
As Distorted Voices were leaving the stage, those who helped organize the festival joined with it’s master of ceremonies Gary of Gary in the Morning to thank all who participated and attended this year’s festival who made it the experience it became. The announcement of who won the annual 50/50 raffle was being made when the fireworks display began to touch the darkening skies. This prompted the quick entrance Hunter Monroe who sang the national Anthem before John Donovan (aka the Party Percussionist) to the stage along with his musical companions took the stage.
The percussionary sounds of John Donovan mixed with the violinist and other musicians who filled the air alongside the Roman Candles and other incendiary devices who lit up the sky. The audio images provided by Mr. Donovan and his comrades blended with the fiery images being painted in the night to the amusement of those who experience the energies conjured up during the performance. You’ll be able to learn more about John Donovan at his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/JohnDonovanDotBiz?fref=ts.
As the last bursting bombs fizzled from our sights, the stage began to fill with the band known as MaddaM INK whose hard hitting music embraced a number of styles as songs originating from other artists were played along with original compositions reflecting the qualities of the former. The band formed in 2004 and released a CD titled, “MaddaM INK” in 2006 along with another CD in 2010 titled, “Inklination.” You can learn more about MaddaM INK by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/maddamink?ref=ts&fref=ts.
The evening and The 12th Annual American Freedom Festival came to an end with the performance given by MaddaM INK. Their musical energy along that of the more gentile ones found in the meeting and sharing of the holiday experience at the Dansbury Park with long established and new friends made it a great day. You’ll be able to see the pictures I took during the festival in the Freedom Fest 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151745234160421.1073741840.636000420&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 Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EastburgAlliance?fref=ts.
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