By Susan K. Lamb Riverbend News
The July 4 weekend will be a time to finally celebrate America, Florida and Suwannee County again after pandemic shutdowns in 2020-2021. In 2020, the festival was reduced to a drive-in only fireworks show. This year, the annual Freedom Festival will return with a goal to have the community come together again.
The city is working with Suwannee County Health Department Administrator Kerry Waldron on what to do about social distancing, if anything. Since this local meeting, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended the state’s remaining COVID-19 public health restrictions, but said private businesses can still require masks and enforce social distancing and other protective measures at their establishments.
The Live Oak Freedom Festival in 2021 will be Friday, July 2, at Millennium Park in downtown Live Oak. Friday was selected as Live Oak’s event as July 4 is on Sunday, and Branford and Lake City set their festivals for Saturday, July 3. The event will feature live music, along with the huge annual fireworks show which takes place from the stadium area and is visable all over the city. There will be many fun things to do and food to eat that Friday evening. Mark your calendars now to be there.