Crossgates Baptist Church, the City of Brandon, and Hometown Magazines partnered in hosting the first annual Freedom Fest at the Brandon Amphitheater on Wednesday.

Guests could enjoy food, bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, a bike parade, pie eating contests, and a cornhole tournament. There was also a concert featuring patortic tunes and worship music from special guest Charles Billingsley and a community choir. The event concluded with a fireworks finale at dark.

Crossgates Baptist Church Pastor Kyle Reno hopes that this will build connections between the community and local churches.

“We’re trying to lean into this moment to rightfully celebrate the freedoms we have in this nation,” Reno said. “We want to throw a family friendly party where families can bring their kids to. They can have a great experience and fireworks show while also bridging a relationship with our church and the people in the community and hopefully introduce them to a greater freedom that they can have in Christ.”

This same sentiment was echoed by Brandon Resident Amanda Smith who loved the aspect of bringing local churches together.

“I just love that it brings out the community from all different churches,” Smith said. “It’s family environment. Our kids are having a blast on the inflatables and playing gaga ball.”

For Freddy Harrell of Brandon and his family, it is the only Indepence Day celebration that they will have this year and left overwhelmed with thankfulness for freedom.

“It’s all really good, but my favorite thing is the thoughtfulness from the city and those responsible for allowing this event to take place. That is to remember our freedoms to worship, come here, and freedom of speech,” Harrell said.

Pastor Reno says that the church hopes to make this an annual event.