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.

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.

Future Business Leaders of America is a student organization for motivated students who want to have fun and grow as leaders. FBLA is a student leadership organization with many facets. While business is in the name, careers and leadership development programs benefits all students. Mt. Vernon Township High School's FBLA Adviser Julie Hayes and 2 MVTHS Seniors joined Big Jake's show this morning to chat about their program, future plans, and of course their annual Pink-Out Football Game to benefit Breast Cancer Treatment/Research on Friday, 9/13.

The FBLA has hosted this fundraiser since 2012 when the President (at that time) & football player wanted to do a fundraiser for breast cancer because his mother had been diagnosed.

Fans can purchase a Jersey Sponsorship for $100 to get a survivor or someone's name that is/was affected by breast cancer on the back of a Jersey worn by player during the game. That sponsor can also take part in the Jersey Ceremony after the game, where players give their game-worn jersey to the sponsor.

Pinkout Designed Shirts will also be available for purchase via the link below or the day of the game for Short sleeve ($15); Long sleeve ($20) Crew ($25) Hoodie ($35). T-Shirt Pickup at school next Tuesday 9/10. Online: https://shopsilkworm.com/mtvernonpinkout

Business Sponsors are also available. Sponsors get their business logo printed on back of Pinkout Shirts that will be worn LONG after the game on 9/13, all for a $100 donation.

The FBLA will also host a Rubberduck Drop Raffle where Pink rubber ducks dropped from the bucket of fire truck (fire science instructors) and the Duck closest to the "X" wins $100. Tickets can be purchased the night of the game for this too.

• Contact: Julie Hayes, FBLA Adviser
• jhayes@muths.org
• 618-246-1828