By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Some of the same folks who are organizing Kosciusko County’s Freedom Fest later this summer are inviting the public to a community workday at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, where numerous improvements are being made.
Freedom Fest is part of the national celebration of America’s 250th birthday and will be from June 5-7, with numerous activities and locations, including the fairgrounds, which will host a three-day historical village.
The volunteer workday begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, and while they have several projects going on, organizer Mike Loher says much of the work that people can help with involves some simple outdoor spring cleaning.
Work could continue into the afternoon, and Loher said they might schedule more sessions in the future if needed.
Loher, who’s heading up the Freedom Fest celebration, recently created a nonprofit group that’s helping organize the cleanup and future community projects.
Loher said they’re relying on nearly $100,000 in donations and in-kind services for the improvements. He says it’s the first project the ML Community Impact Alliance has undertaken.
“I am ecstatic with that. That’s exactly what our mission is for — is to support other not-for-profits and community events,” Loher said.
Recent improvements include new handrails in the grandstand, 500 tons of donated limestone to repair the parking lot, and other related asphalt milling.
Upcoming work will include the replacement of bleacher boards, seal coating the main driveway, and re-seeding the infield area.
Loher said he has a few groups lined up, but invites everyone — community members, service clubs, families, and organizations — to participate in preparations for Freedom Fest.
All volunteer hours will be officially recorded and submitted to America250 as part of the national #AmericaGives initiative.
The work day is part of a larger effort where the MLCIA has orchestrated significant improvements through donated materials, volunteer efforts, and local business support to enhance the fairgrounds for the upcoming celebration and for year-round community use, the news release said.
These improvements benefit not only Freedom Fest, but also the Kosciusko County Community Fair, 4-H programs, Camp Hero hosted by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Combined Community Services events, and many other community gatherings.
One thing they do need, he said, is some paint.
To learn more and get involved, use: info@kcfreedomfest.org.
