Nat & Sandy Shook with United Way of South Central Illinois join Big Jake to chat about their Stuff The Bus School Supply Donation, Food Truck Fest, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. All great programs that are benefiting those that live in the counties UWSCI serves and programs you can help support!
Natalie Shook with the United Way of South Central Illinois was in studio on the Morning Show to talk about the 3 new programs UWSCI is offering. The United We Give, United We Read and the Hunting Program. Also, Trivia Night is coming up Saturday, November 23rd, get all the details here.
The longest running light aircraft show makes it's home in Mt. Vernon, IL and in 2024 they are celebrating 16 years at the Outland Airport! Director Chris Collins joins Big Jake's show to discuss how important this expo is to the city as well as all the history and aviation advancement that will be on display September 5th-7th.
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.
