Question 1

AEG, The City of Austin, FreedomFest, Austin Enhancement Group, the Chamber... who is who?

Accepted Answer

Good question!

FreedomFest or The Freedom Festival is the 4th of July event held in Bandshell Park on July 3rd and 4th.

The Austin Enhancement Group (AEG) is the all-volunteer non-profit that has organized the FreedomFest events in Bandshell Park since 2020.

The City of Austin graciously donates the use of Bandshell Park and other Resources so that AEG can put on FreedomFest for our community.  They also contract with Flashing Thunder for the 4th of July Fireworks display.

The Chamber used to organize FreedomFest, but not since 2019.  The Chamber DOES organize the parade, however.  You can contact them for more information: info@austincoc.com

Question 2

Parade:   When? Where? Weather? Can I be in it?

Accepted Answer

The Parade is wholly organized and run by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, so if you have more questions, please contact them at 507.437.4561 or email them at info@austincoc.com(mailto:info@austincoc.com)

When: Traditionally, the Chamber of Commerce holds the Parade on July 4th at 11:00am 
Where: The parade route begins on North Main Street, near the Swimming Pool. The end/disbursement area is along Lafayette and Marcusen parks on the south end of Main Street.
Weather: The Chamber of Commerce runs the parade and they make parade/weather related decisions. 
Please contact the Chamber of Commerce if you have questions about the parade and if it will take place. FreedomFest does not have access to that information.
How can I be in the Parade? Call the Chamber of Commerce at  507.437.4561 or email them at info@austincoc.com(mailto:info@austincoc.com)

Question 3

What if the weather looks bad?

Accepted Answer

Ahhh, the weather.  The one thing we can't plan for and the one thing that stresses our volunteers out the most!  :) Our all-volunteer crew puts SO much work into this event, and we want the weather to be as great as you do!  
If it happens that the normal event operations are affected by weather, we will make announcements on our Facebook Page,(https://www.facebook.com/FreedomfestAustin/) as well as ask traditional media (and you!) to help spread the word.

If it's raining or the weather is similarly poor, we will generally pause most of the park activities and re-start if/when the weather clears enough to do so. Sometimes activities can keep going like Bingo in the Pavililon, and music under the tent(s).  This is all dependent upon weather conditions, future forecast, volunteers who are willing to stay, etc.

In the instance of severe/extremely inclement weather,  we may opt to shut down all operations.

Again:  If it happens that the normal event operations are affected by such weather, we will make announcements on our Facebook Page,(https://www.facebook.com/FreedomfestAustin/) as well as asking traditional media to help spread the word.

Please note: the Parade is run by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce; the FreedomFestival organizers have no input or access to the parade information.  If you are wondering about the parade and inclement weather, please contact the Chamber of Commerce: 507.437.4561 or email them at info@austincoc.com(mailto:info@austincoc.com)

Question 4

What about the fireworks and bad weather?

Accepted Answer

The City of Austin contracts with Flashing Thunder to put on the fireworks for the city celebration.

Flashing Thunder is a professional fireworks outfit and they keep a close eye on the weather to see if it will affect their operations.  They coordinate with the City of Austin if there is an issue.

Flashing Thunder and the City of Austin will let Freedom Festival organizers know if there are any weather issues and we will help communicate their plan via our social media.

We (AEG/FreedomFest) do not make that decision, so please do not contact us to ask about it.  We will communicate whatever we know to the public as soon as we know it.

The City of Austin and Flashing Thunder do have a prearranged rain date of July 5th for the fireworks.

If the July 5th rain date is also impacted by bad weather, the City of Austin will reschedule the fireworks to a later date and announce that date when they have arranged it.

Question 5

Where is Bandshell Park?

Accepted Answer

At the intersection of Fourth St SW & Ninth Pl SW, Austin, MN 55912

Question 6

How can I participate in the Little Miss Sparkler/Firecracker Pageant?

Accepted Answer

Pre-registration is required since there is a limited number of participants allowed (for time constraints).  More information regarding registration is found here: https://www.freedomfestaustin.com/miss-sparkler-mr-firecracker (https://www.freedomfestaustin.com/miss-sparkler-mr-firecracker)

Question 7

Where do we park?

Accepted Answer

There  is free parking available in the greenspace on the East side of Main  street, across the street from Bandshell Park (next to the Dog Park).   Parking will be marked in the grass. 
​
Handicapped Accessible Parking is in the cul-de-sac at the end of First Street, as well as in the greenspace lot on the East Side of Main Street.

Question 8

Who puts on the Freedom Festival?

Accepted Answer

The volunteers of the Austin Enhancement Group. AEG  is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the community by  facilitating family-friendly events, entertainment, and/or celebrations  for all citizens of Austin and the surrounding areas.
 
AEG  was first formed when Austin's 4th of July celebration needed a group  to take over the planning and organization.  AEG is made up of a group  of volunteers who love the Freedom Festival and couldn't imagine a 4th  of July without our community celebration!  These volunteers give their time, talents, and resources to fund raise, plan, organize and execute  activities and entertainment for Austin's 4th of July Freedom Festival.

Question 9

What is the schedule of events?

Accepted Answer

https://www.freedomfestaustin.com/schedule-of-events (https://www.freedomfestaustin.com/schedule-of-events)

FAQ

Freedom Festival