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Separation of church and state is as old as America itself, but for a few hours Thursday afternoon, God and country were one. • Residents from central Florida gathered at Florida Classic Park, off U.S. 98 west of Interstate 75, to celebrate Freedom Fest, an event commemorating Independence Day with games, Christian music and fellowship. • Thursday was the first time Hernando County hosted the festival.
The previous two years, the event was held in Pinellas Park, but event planner Joe Santerelli, senior pastor at Hillside Community Baptist Church and President of the Brooksville Ministerial Association, said the festival ran out of space at its old location.
He was glad the "faith-based family event" came to Brooksville and that people got a chance to honor military veterans. "We think they deserve to be honored," Santerelli said.
At Florida Classic Park, thousands of people came to take in the festivities.
Some, like Dave Darling of Lecanto, were there to listen to the music, which included Matthew West, a popular Christian musician. Others, like Darling's daughter Macailla came for the fireworks at the end of the night.
Beyond melodies and pyrotechnics, visitors could watch or play in a game of flag football or moon walk joust, a version of the contest made popular by the TV show American Gladiators.
"It seems like there's a lot of good fun for the kids," said Darling as he and Macailla walked across the grounds of the sprawling festival.
Darling heard about Freedom Fest on the radio, but most in attendance were there with other members of their churches.
Sandy Stevens of St. Petersburg arrived more than an hour early to get a good seat for the festival. Though she lives close to Pinellas Park, where the festival used to be, Thursday was the first time she went.
She came to support her church, Cross Pointe Baptist Church in Clearwater, and looked forward to West's performance and the fireworks — the first time she had seen fireworks in a long time.
"Usually I have to work," she said.
Today, she's working.
Michael Sanserino can be reached at msanserino@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1430.
[Last modified: Jul 08, 2008 07:29 PM]
Comments on this article
by Grandma
Jul 8, 2008 7:29 PM
There with my 7 yo grandchild. I was impressed by the message of Los1 and Urban D. Bought CD's for 12 and 14 year old grandkids. Matthew West was amazing. The park was full of the spirit. We encountered one person smoking. Good Family Time. T. Y.
by Matt
Jul 8, 2008 5:49 PM
My Brother's Scars was quite impressive. Los1 and Urban D spread a message that needs to be heard and discussed in families. Matt West is always a good show, but thanks be to God who gets the glory through all these performances. Thanks to all.
by jason
Jul 7, 2008 5:03 PM
Freedom Fest was another great success this year. The ONLY complaint was the Rapper LOS 1. His lyrics would have been fine at a teen rally, but his lyrics were very rated XXX for a family afternoon. Very innapropriate for family outing. West was A+++
by Missy
Jul 6, 2008 3:23 PM
This is our second year seeing this event and the acts preceding Mark Schultz last year were much better than theones preceding Matthew West this year. I don't know what happened, but we'll be back next year and hopefully they will be better.
by Bud
Jul 5, 2008 10:19 PM
I think this year's event was a good start for more to follow in the future. There is always much to be learned when something new is tried. I commend the Brooksville Ministerial Association for all your faith and hard work to bring this about.
by His Servant
Jul 5, 2008 10:17 PM
ALL the performers were unabashedly Christian! It is too bad some people need to criticize the efforts to reach the lost. These sort of comments are exactly the reason Christianity has a negative reputation. God was glorified in all way!
by Sharon
Jul 5, 2008 10:17 PM
I attended, but only got there in time for Matthew West and the fireworks. He...and they were wonderful. I'm glad I missed the rap. They should leave it out next year.
by Nick
Jul 4, 2008 7:38 PM
I think a great deal of thanks is owed to the Brooksille Ministerial Association for putting this on. Although some of the musicians did not appeal to me, they were sending a good message. Praise God for His sacrifice and for OUR freedom! Happy 4th!
by GeorginaMae
Jul 4, 2008 7:38 PM
Some people enjoyed the rap, it's sad that "Christians" don't accept others' differences. We planned around it to our tastes--jamie & James need to get out a little more--this world ain't the same, you're getting the wrong messages.
by JAMES
Jul 4, 2008 11:55 AM
The ministerial assoc. owes the Christian community an apology for touting this event as a tribute to God,
the "entertainers" did not sing, shouted offensive lyrics so loud my head ached. Rapp music? should never have been billed as CHRISTIAN
by jamie
Jul 4, 2008 11:54 AM
the freedom fest last evening was a disgrace to God and country. I took my two young grandchildren, the music was loud, screaming rappers, offensive lyrics...sexually transmitted disese, vigina, anual, smelly, NOT anything Christian. not one decent
by GeorginaMae
Jul 4, 2008 11:25 AM
Matthew West was great & kudos to the fireworks show. Next year they need more food tents to cut down on the lines and ABSOLUTLEY need to get a system to get the cars out of the parking lots--we waited an hour in the lot.
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