“United We Stand: Local
Voices for Public Lands“ is the theme of this year’s San Juan County Freedom
Fest being held Sept. 9 at the San Juan High School (Blanding, Utah) football
practice field. Chairwoman, Kim
Henderson, emphasized, “No matter what side of land issues you are on, or what
side of the mountain you are from, we want everyone to come and unitedly enjoy
an evening of great entertainment and sociability. We hope to have people from other counties,
and even states, come and join us. Invite your friends and family from other places.”
The event begins 4 PM and offers a full slate
of entertainment, food and craft booths, concessions, and 10 great raffle
prizes. Local performers include Native American dancers, The Magpies (Beverly Felstead, Terri Card, Kaleigh Gilson, Cheryl Bowers, Emma Holliday, and Gayle Shumway), and Magnetic
Pull, "the best in Native Rock" from Blanding, Utah. The group includes Dennis Kaniatobe Sr. on
keyboard, lead guitar and vocals; Travis Moses -percussion and Native Flute,
and Dennis Kaniatobe II, Lead and Bass guitar. Darren Parry of the NW Shoshone
tribe, will be a guest speaker.
The main performance begins
about 8 PM featuring Tim Gates, lead
singer in a Nashville trio called Due West.
Gates is also a member of the Nashville Tribute Band, which has
performed in San Juan County several times.
Attendees need to bring their own chairs or blankets.
Vendors Needed
Anyone interested in setting up artisan, food, or product
booths should call Nicole Perkins before August 21. 435-485-0214. There is a
$25 charge; however, two concert tickets will be provided to each booth.
Freedom
Fest Writing Contest
In preparation for Freedom Fest students in grades 3-8 are
encouraged to enter the Unity writing contest.
There are two different brackets: grades 3-5, and grades 6-8. The essays will be judged on development of
the theme, “United We Stand.” Winners will be
announced the night of Freedom Fest, and first place winners will be invited to
read their essays. Students do NOT have to live in San Juan County to
participate.
