Let Freedom Ring fireworks a real blast for spectators

MOUNT MORRIS – They came with lawn chairs, strollers and even a baby crib to watch the fireworks show at the Let Freedom Ring celebration July 4.

The popular event, held on the southwest corner of the village, drew its usual large crowd who set up their “fireworks-watching camps” on the former athletic fields of Mount Morris High School.

Some watched from Mounder Park across from the school, while others watched from their yards or from their vehicles as they parked along surrounding roads.

Owen Russell, 7, of Florida, was waiting with his family on the old football field when nearby spectators asked him if he wanted a sparkler to join in the fun. Owen quickly agreed, and the sparkler show was on.

The Russell family was visiting family in Mount Morris, and the fireworks show was one item on their “have to do” list.

Nearby, Evelyn Whalen, 2, of Oregon, sported three necklaces of glow-in-the-dark rings as she waited for the fireworks to begin.

Other pre-fireworks activities included a pickup football game on the old baseball infield, volleyball digs and spikes on the football field and, of course, the patriotic band concert by the Kable Band.

1 of 7

Spectators watch as a heart forms in one of the fireworks at Let Freedom Ring in Mt. Morris on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (Earleen Hinton)