He said the event is safe and enjoyable for all ages, from children to grandparents.
“The church, obviously, connects with it. A lot of our members get excited about being able to volunteer and be a part of the team that makes it happen. So, the church really dives into it, to make it the best event we can make it be,” White said.
Musical guests featured at the 2017 Light Up Liberty include Jason Crabb and B-Shoc (Bryan Edmonds). B-Shoc, a Georgia-based, Christian hip-hop artist, will be in concert at 6:30 p.m., followed by Grammy and GMA Dove Award-winning artist Jason Crabb at around 8:30 p.m.
In addition to the concert, there will be a special flag ceremony to honor all the branches of the military and POW/MIA as well as to recognize local law enforcement and first responders at 8 p.m.
Other highlights will include the evening’s finale by Yokum Fireworks, which will be launched at 10 p.m. The fireworks will also by synchronized to music this year.
For the children in attendance, Miracle Amusements will offer an array of carnival activies in the Family-Fun Zone such as rides and games. A car show with awards will simultaneously be a part of the event. A variety of food vendors will include The Cone, Remi J’s Barbecue, Kona Ice and Larosa’s, among others.
“We are always looking for opportunities to get out in the community and connect with people, and even though we’ve been here since 1961, there are still people that don’t know we’re here, including those that go to church on a regular basis,” said Julie Pierce, on air-personality for Star 93.3-FM (WAKW) and community relations director.
Star 93.3 has partnered with Light Up Liberty for the past three years. Other community sponsors, including the stage sponsor, Four Star Mechanical, are also supporting the event. Light Up Liberty is a safe, family-friendly, alcohol-free event.
The event has continued to grow each year, and last year, crowds were estimated at 12,000 to 14,000. Organizers said 15,000 to 18,000 attendees are expected to turnout this year. Guests come from Butler, Warren and Hamilton Counties.
“We feel like we have an encouraging message to get out there, so opportunities to partner with Light Up Liberty and other events are a good way for us to do that,” Pierce said.
How to go
What: Light Up Liberty
Where: Princeton Pike Church of God, 6101 Princeton-Glendale Road, Liberty Twp.
When: 6-10 p.m. Sunday, July 2, Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free. Donations accepted. Food, beverages, and carnival activities will be available at cost. ATM's will be on-site for cash-only vendors and attractions.
More info: www.lightupliberty.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lightupliberty.
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