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.

 

Angela & Jason hop on the radio with Big Jake to give some updates and insight to all that is happening during Mt. Vernon Fall Fest. It takes place Friday, September 27th & Saturday, September 28th in downtown Mt. Vernon on 9th Street. More details at mtvfestivals.com!

 
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Whitney Hodge was on the Morning Show to talk about the 13th Annual Cooking for CASA event coming up on January 18th.

Local business men and women, civic leaders, and others will prepare their favorite dishes and compete for their chance to win a Golden Skillet. Chefs will face off in a fun filled evening where guest are able to sample a variety of foods from different categories, so bring your appetite and tip money for your favorite chef so they can take home the People's Choice Golden Skillet! While this is a competition, it is all in good fun and a way to support foster children in Jefferson County.

5:00 - Doors Open5:30 - Program Begins6:00 - Serving Begins7:30 - Silent auction closes, Live auction begins8:00 - Chef and Auction winners announced

Tickets:$50/person$500/table of 10

Tickets can be purchased at the CASA office at 612 N. 12th St. or online:

Call the CASA office at 618-204-5453 for more information or to purchase tickets.

 
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Bristal Tudor is the older sister of Madelyn Tudor who was just retired as Little Miss Illinois 2023 and joined Big Jake's show recently. Bristal was named not only Jr. Miss Illinois this year but also Jr. Miss Southern Illinois & Jr. Miss Illinois United States Agriculture all in 2024. Congrats to the Royal Tudor Family and thanks so much for stopping by WMIX to chat!

 
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