City Of Greer: Freedom Blast Returns On June 26!

Press release from :

June 14, 2021

Freedom Blast was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but returns in 2021 with guests and features that have made the festival a favorite of families across the upstate.

Team Fastrax professional parachute demonstration team opens the event at 6 p.m. with a jump into Greer City Park to deliver the U.S. Flag. The world famous Zambelli Fireworks show accompanied by patriotic music will bring the evening to a close with a bang at 10 p.m. 

In between, guests will enjoy live music, military displays and vehicles, crafts, activities and inflatables for children, a wide selection of food vendors, the Texas Roadhouse Rib Eating Contest, and a military tribute featuring the Preston Johnson Veterans Walk to recognize local men and women who served in the armed forces. 

“After the past 16 months, people have told us that they’re ready for a party and there’s no better way to do it than by celebrating our armed forces and veterans.” City of Greer events supervisor Robbie Davis said. “The meaning of the festival was brought clearly into focus when we were forced to cancel last year’s event due to the pandemic. So, the City of Greer’s goal this year is to make Freedom Blast bigger and better for all visitors.”

The S.C. Army National Guard Color Guard plays a key role in the military tribute, including the three volley salute to veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Local veterans are invited to participate in the walk to the stage to be recognized for their service. 

Competitors will vie for speed eating glory in the Texas Roadhouse Rib Eating Contest at 7:15 on the Main Stage. The competition will crown champions in both youth and adult divisions.

Live music takes over at 7:30 with the Gal Friday Band’s first set. The three sisters grew up singing together at special events and in church and have taken the essence of southern gospel, rock, bluegrass and country on the road. Their synergistic sibling harmonies and bluegrass soul peppered with notes of southern rock has resulted in a style that is fresh, strong and undeniably unique.

“I think that what drives our music is our passion for singing about real life and creating a very authentic sound,” lead vocalist Lauren Wilson said. “We were raised on bluegrass, gospel and good southern rock. We shaped our music over time to include our love of country music and feel that what we are doing now is very organic and unique. The songs we write are inspired by our family, our friends and seasons that we walk through.”

Based in Matthews, N.C., Gal Friday has earned a solid fan following in the southeast, performing at clubs, festivals and special events. The band has opened for such acts as Keith Urban, The Band Perry, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna Judd and Kellie Pickler. 

Their debut album “Smoke and Mirrors” includes the song “When You Think About a Soldier,” a perfect tune for Freedom Blast.

Wilson said the song was written “because we felt an overwhelming desire to share what we think it must feel like for a soldier to come home after serving your country and try to become a part of your civilian world again. This song was written from a woman's perspective coming back home to be a part of her life again, but we have been told by many veterans that any soldier would be able to relate. We are grateful to those who have served our great country, for sacrificing on our behalf.”

The singer-songwriter with two albums to his credit carries a tender voice and unique timbre that embodies real Americana. Taking inspiration from life experiences, overheard conversations and current events, Webb writes and curates songs that echo the cuts, bruises and blossoms of life. He is signed to Gold Ship Records.

Military displays in Greer City Park will feature an assortment of vehicles on display on E. Poinsett St, courtesy of the S.C. Army National Guard and vintage military vehicles provided by the Military History Center of the Carolinas. The Greer Chapter of Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post 115, AMVETS Post 75, Service Dogs for Veterans, the American Red Cross and Foothills Chapter 301 of the Korean War Veterans Association will be on hand to provide support information for veterans.

Free crafts and activities are the attraction at the Kids Zone, while unlimited fun on inflatable attractions and the Tubs of Fun spinning carnival ride will be available for $5 per child.

Visitors are encouraged to come hungry and purchase dinner and dessert from vendors lining East Poinsett St. outside the park entrance. Pepsi and Budweiser will be available at beverage carts throughout the park and mister stations will provide a respite from the heat.

Guests will have an opportunity to give the gift of life from 6-10 p.m. as the Blood Connection seeks to keep pace with local hospitals’ summertime demand for blood.

For more information and a complete schedule visit www.freedomblast.org.