Hear our presenting sponsors, Tony Wielt from State Farm and Sandy Sinnett with Heritage Woods of Mt. Vernon announce this year's Letters of Thanksgiving winners in Kindergarten - 4th & 5th-8th grades.
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.
Event Organizer Chris Bernard joins the show to discuss the rising popularity of Sports Collectables and of course their big event on 2/23/25 at The Double Tree By Hilton in Mt. Vernon.
Big Jake welcomes Leon Edwards to the program this morning to announce the return of Wolfe Cattle Company to Du Quoin's Southern Illinois Center for two massive nights of Cord McCoy PRCA Pro Rodeo action and country concerts the 2nd to last weekend in March!
DU QUOIN, IL (FEB 2, 2024) – The Wolfe Cattle Company proudly announces the 3rd Annual Cord McCoy PRCA Du Quoin Pro Rodeo. Once again, the event will happen inside the Southern Illinois Center at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Illinois, on March 22 and 23, 2024.
David Wolfe, the owner, said, “Partnering with Cord McCoy and the PRCA has allowed us to grow this event year after year. This year, we are again planning to bring in some of the nation’s top rodeo competitors and some of the nation's best country music!”
For two nights, fans can experience all that a PRCA Rodeo has to offer. Each night will offer wall-to-wall action featuring some of the best cowboys in the country and the toughest world-class Cord McCoy bulls you’ll ever see! Experience: Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Bronc, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, & Bull Riding!
Stick around after the dust settles for special performances by 2 of the nation's top country music performers. On Friday, March 22nd, don’t miss one of the most successful crossover artists of all time, Colt Ford! His unique blend of country music, hip hop, and rock & roll has led him to sell over 3 million albums, attracting millions of followers on social media and hitting one billion-plus streams.
On Saturday, March 23rd, the country music superstar, who has sold over 11 MILLION albums, charted over 20 singles, earned numerous awards and GRAMMY nominations, and garnered over TWO BILLION streams, Trace Adkins will be performing!
All rodeo tickets include entry into the concert. Concert-only tickets are also available for those who would like to come later in the evening. This year, we will be offering VIP tickets as well. VIP tickets will include bleacher seating, access to the VIP section of the concert, and food & drink until the concert begins.
All tickets are on sale now at www.wolfecattlecompany.com! Tickets are only sold from the website via Etix/EDW MKTG.
