WARSAW — A significant sprucing up of the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds is nearly complete. 

Mike Loher, who heads up the ML Community Impact Alliance, announced plans for a series of improvements a few weeks ago and said much of the work is now done, thanks to in-kind donations and community support totaling nearly $100,000.

All of that is happening ahead of Kosciusko Freedom Fest, a celebration of America's 250th birthday, which arrives in less than two weeks. 

Supporting the upgrades has been led by the relatively new alliance.

Support has come from various groups, including Core Mechanical, which fabricated, powder-coated, and installed all the new handrails in the grandstand, and Super Seal, which seal-coated and striped the main drive, Loher said.

Freedom Fest arrives June 5, 6, and 7, with most of the events at the fairgrounds. 

Activities will include historical reenactments, patriotic celebrations, a concert, and a parade.

All events, except for the concert, are free. The Freedom Fest website calendar also lists rlated events acoss the county leading up to the Fourth of July weekend.

Loher talked with News Now Warsaw while another man was spreading limestone on Saturday morning.

“We have got over 500 tons of limestone donated and did a lot of driveway repairs and then also asphalt millings,” Loher said. “We've redone the west driveway, the east driveway through the 4H … I'd say about 98% of the drives out here have been repaired.”

Volunteers have also done a lot of mowing. They regraded the track and also seeded areas near the track. Other areas have also been cleaned up.

"It's not perfect, but it's a lot better than it was,” Loher said.

He said participants in the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office J-CAP program and those associated with Serenity House have helped out.

About 30 vendors have been lined up, and organizers are no longer accepting applications. Vendors include some of the longtime tenants of the fairgrounds, he said.

He also said plans are coming together for the veterans' ceremony, which will include a massive US flag on display and an Air Force flyover that will happen early Saturday afternoon on June 6.

He said that working to secure an air force base needed for the flyover was a bit of a challenge.

"There are a lot of crazy things going on in the world right now, and a lot of our military guys are out doing their thing. So it was a little bit of a struggle to find an air base that was able to participate,” he said.

With less than two weeks before the start, Loher sounded optimistic about local plans to celebrate the country’s birthday, which will culminate nationally on the Fourth of July.

“I'm feeling really good. Things are starting to come together nicely,” he said.

He said they're seeking more parade applicants.

The parade starts at 10 a.m., June 6.

"We're going to start the parade on West Center Street out by the street department. It'll continue on Center Street through downtown Warsaw, and then it'll turn on Bronson Street and come right into the main (fairgrounds) entrance, Loher said.

Plans by Loher to oversee the three-day event began before he broke his wrist a few months ago. He says it's been a blessing and a curse as the event grows slower.

The injury has healed more slowly than expected.

“Obviously, with my broken arm, I've not been able to do a lot. But other than to orchestrate the different groups.

No slowing down, though.

“It's go-time. There are a lot of things happening,” he said.

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WARSAW — The ML Community Impact Alliance and the Freedom Fest committee are inviting the community to help honor local heroes by participating in the new Kosciusko County Veteran Wall during Freedom Fest, June 5–7, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds.

The public is encouraged to bring copies of photographs of veterans to be displayed on the Veteran Wall throughout the festival weekend. Organizers are asking that photos preferably be laminated or displayed on small banners suitable for outdoor display.

Please do not bring original photographs, as the display will be located outside and exposed to weather conditions.

Families are also asked to include the veteran’s name with the picture so each individual can be properly recognized and honored during the event.

Photos may be dropped off beginning Friday afternoon near the Nation’s Largest Free Flying Flag display at the fairgrounds. Pictures may be picked up at any time during the weekend. However, Freedom Fest and event organizers are not responsible for returning pictures left at the event.

The Veteran Wall is intended to serve as a powerful tribute to the men and women who have served our country and protected the freedoms celebrated during America’s 250th anniversary.

A special Veteran Recognition Ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 1:30 PM at the fairgrounds. The ceremony will feature patriotic tributes, special speakers, and recognition of veterans and military families from throughout the region.

Freedom Fest is part of the community’s America 250 celebration and will feature live entertainment, historical displays, patriotic activities, vendors, family attractions, and more throughout the weekend.

For additional information, visit KC Freedom Fest or email info@kcfreedomfest.org.

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WARSAW — The ML Community Impact Alliance (MLCIA) and the Freedom Fest Committee have announced country music artist Darryl Worley will headline the Freedom Fest Concert on Saturday, June 6, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in Warsaw.

Joining Worley for a night of live music are special guests Jason Michael Carroll —performing with his full band — and country artist Keenie Word, according to a news release from the Community Impact Alliance, a non-profit established last year.

This concert is a centerpiece of Freedom Fest, a multi-day celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday.

Known for his patriotic anthem “Have You Forgotten?” and songs like “I Miss My Friend” and “Awful, Beautiful Life,” Worley brings a blend of country music and storytelling that captures the spirit of this historic milestone, the news release said.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Darryl Worley to Freedom Fest as our headliner,” organizers said in the release. “His music, especially his tribute to our nation and veterans, aligns perfectly with the mission of this celebration. Adding Jason Michael Carroll and Keenie makes this a can’t-miss night of country music for our community and beyond.”

Tickets are on sale online through Eventbrite.

Grandstand general admission tickets are $10, and track general admission tickets are $20.
For those looking for a premium concert experience, standing room at the front of the stage and limited up-close seating options will also be available, offering fans an up-close-and-personal connection to the performance.

To enhance safety, improve sightlines, and create the best possible concert experience for everyone, outside chairs and coolers will not be permitted inside the concert area.

Freedom Fest will take place June 5–7, featuring a full lineup of family-friendly activities including live entertainment, historical reenactments, a parade, car show, 5K run, veterans recognition and more.

Camping is available for the weekend at the fairgrounds. For reservations, call the fair office at 574-269-1823.

For all other questions, email info@kcfreedomfest.org.

Tickets and additional event details are also available at www.kcfreedomfest.org.
Freedom Fest is organized by the ML Community Impact Alliance (MLCIA), a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing quality of life through community collaboration, events and initiatives that bring people together, the release states.

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WARSAW — The ML Community Impact Alliance (MLCIA) and The Freedom Fest Committee has announced that Super Seal of Warsaw will be performing seal coating work on the main entrance of the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds on Monday, May 11 (weather permitting).

This project is part of ongoing improvements and preparations for Freedom Fest 2026, celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

These enhancements are designed to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall experience for the large number of visitors expected for Freedom Fest and throughout the year for various events.

Important Access Information:

• The main fairgrounds entrance will be temporarily closed during this work.
• Visitors should use the west fairgrounds entrance.
• From there, proceed through the campground area and up the hill to access the fair office.

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we continue making improvements that will benefit the entire community for years to come.

For additional information about Freedom Fest, visit kcfreedomfest.org or contact us at info@kcfreedomfest.org.

Freedom Fest is a county-wide celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring live music, historical reenactments, family activities, and community events designed to bring people together in celebration of our nation’s heritage.

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WARSAW — The ML Community Impact Alliance is proud to announce that it has officially received recognition from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 509(a)(2) public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The designation affirms the organization’s charitable mission and strengthens its ability to serve Kosciusko County and the surrounding region.

The ML Community Impact Alliance was founded to foster collaboration, strengthen local nonprofits, and create events that bring the community together while driving positive economic and social impact. With its new IRS designation, the Alliance can now accept tax-deductible contributions, apply for grants, and expand its partnerships with individuals, businesses, and civic organizations.

“This recognition is a major milestone for our organization,” said Mike Loher, founder of the ML Community Impact Alliance. “It means that every dollar of support we receive goes even further in helping us create community-driven initiatives like Freedom Fest 2026, A Country Christmas with Susie McEntire, and other programs that directly benefit the people of Kosciusko County.”

Wtih the new tax status, the Alliance’s classification highlights its commitment to being supported by and for the community. Revenue streams such as event ticket sales, vendor participation, sponsorships, and local donations will all play a vital role in sustaining its mission.

Upcoming Initiatives The Alliance is already partnering with the Kosciusko County Freedom Fest Committee for a three-day celebration scheduled for June 5–7, 2026 at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, marking America’s 250th birthday with concerts, family activities, and community events.

For More Information, contact mike@seven25events.com for details on upcoming programs, events, and ways to get involved.

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