The Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center, often referred to as The Amy Center, is partnering with eight Southern Illinois small businesses to host the “Sweet Treat Saturday” fundraising event on August 3rd. The local ice cream shoppes throughout The Amy Center coverage area teaming up to donate money to the child advocacy center while inviting people to enjoy a cool, sweet treat are Dairy Mart in Salem, Yellin’ Helen’s in Dix, Fat Dad’s in Louisville, Hometown Swirls in McLeansboro, C-Town Twist in Centralia, Scoops in Belle Rive, Dairy King in Breese, and the newly opened Twisted Twins in Woodlawn. People are encouraged to support these local eateries, and by doing so, will be helping to raise funds for The Amy Center.

The Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center serves seven Southern Illinois counties by providing a first responding safe place for child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse, neglect, as well as children who have witnessed trauma such as a domestic violence situation.

For more information on this event and The Amy Center’s mission, visit Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center on Facebook or call 618-244-2100.

 

Angela joins Big Jake's show to discuss 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.

 
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JIm & Teresa join Big Jake's show this morning to chat about the science experiment in the sky that is piloting a hot air balloon. Be sure to get out and see Good Greeph or Blu E'nuff this weekend at Foundation Park in Centralia for the 35th Balloon Fest! Get more details at https://centraliachamber.com/balloon-fest and be sure to buy those wristbands!

 
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Drew Baldridge joins Big Jake while his hit song "She's Somebody's Daughter" is sitting at #3 on the Top 40 Hot Country Songs Chart. Drew tells the story of his career path leading up to 2019, COVID hitting and shutting down Nashville-his record label-and nearly his career. But out of the darkest of times, social media and the power of perseverance by Drew, the light is at the end of the tunnel and his career is back on track with now even more potential for success than when he first started. What a story...we can't wait to see what's next!

 
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