By Ann Piccininni | Daily Herald Correspondent

Tangible ways to support U.S. troops around the world, their families and returning veterans will be highlighted at the fifth annual Freedom Fest in Barrington Saturday, Sept. 5.

"We have one purpose: to help the individuals who have worn the cloth of the nation," said organizer Dirk Bevridge. "It truly is a fun, family day that is a very patriotic day, that is a nonpolitical day."

The festival, founded in 2004 by Bevridge's nonprofit organization, We Do Care, features music, speakers, children's activities, military vehicle displays and a foot race.

There's also a feature called Care Village. Representatives of groups that provide assistance to active duty soldiers, military families and veterans will detail how the public can help.

"We've partnered with over 25 different nonprofit organizations who provide support to those three constituencies," said Bevridge.

Before the festival kicks off at noon outside the Barrington train station, Bevridge said the inaugural 9.11-Mile Freedom Run will be staged at 10 a.m. Runners, who may register at We Do Care's Web site, will follow a course that takes them from the train station, to Ron Beese Park and back.

Some 250 U.S. troops stationed at Guantanamo Bay will simultaneously run a similar race at their base, Bevridge said.

The festival will begin with an opening ceremony at noon that includes a memorial walk commemorating fallen soldiers, a 21-gun salute and a flyover by two jets from the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Musical entertainment will begin with two local bands. Salt and Silver will play from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., followed by IROAD from 4 to 6 p.m. Headliner Vertigo USA, a U-2 tribute band, will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Air Force Brigadier General Paul Van Sickle will speak at 12:15 p.m., followed by Illinois Air National Guard Col. James Schroeder at 2:30 p.m., State Rep., D-83, Linda Chapa La Via at 4:15 p.m. and U.S. Navy Airman Caitlin Fitzgerald, a 2003 Barrington High School graduate now stationed aboard the USS Enterprise.

"She's going to talk about her decision to join the Navy," Bevridge said.

A Family Freedom Walk around the commuter lot, a half-mile walk in memory of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, will begin at 3:45 p.m.

Food and a beer garden will be available.

The fest also will offer children's activities, including a 24-foot climbing wall, a guitar video game, a moonwalk, face painting and a basketball toss. Children also will have the opportunity to make greeting cards for active duty troops, Bevridge said, and check out military vehicles, including a 29-foot Coast Guard rig.

5th annual Barrington Freedom Fest

When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6

Where: Barrington train station, 201 S. Spring St., Barrington

Admission: Free

Call: (847) 910-0269

Info: we-do-care.org


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