Barrington Courier Review Article - September 6, 2007

Freedom Festival organizers expecting as many as 3,000

By TONY A. SOLANO Staff Writer

The fourth annual Family Freedom Festival will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Metra parking lot near Main and Spring streets.

The festival's goal is to bring residents together to interact with representatives from various organizations supporting American troops stationed across the globe, military families in need and veterans.

"There were a lot of people in the community asking what they could do to help the troops. We're really that link between the community and the organizations," said Dirk Beveridge of We Do Care.

We Do Care is a nonprofit organization that formed four years ago in conjunction with the first Family Freedom Festival. Beveridge said it hosts several similar events in the area, although Barrington's festival is the biggest.  He said last year about 1,500 people attended the festival and this year he is expecting between 1,500 and
3,000 people.

"Whether you're for or against the war is irrelevant to us, we just want people to come out and support the troops," Beveridge said.

The day will start with a wreath-laying ceremony and gun salute followed by band and dance organization performances and other family activities. There will also be a quarter-mile Freedom Walk at 4 p.m. "We try to have entertainment that connects to the military theme but is also very family friendly," Beveridge said.

Barrington resident Joe Cantafio and his band, the 101st Rock Division, will headline the festival starting at 7:30 p.m.

Beveridge said the village has been helpful in promoting the festival and lending its resources.  "There's no way we could do this without their support," he said.  Village President Karen Darch and village officials, police officers and firefighters participate in events throughout the day including the opening ceremony and Freedom Walk, Beveridge said.

Veterans and active military personnel will be on hand throughout the day to talk with residents and enjoy festivities.

The Care Village -- consisting of tables and displays from various nonprofits that benefit veterans, military personnel and their families -- will feature Operation Iraqi Children, Yellow Ribbon Support Group, Soldiers Angels, 85th Division Family Readiness Group, USO of Illinois, Heroes of Freedom Memorial and several more.

Beveridge said the festival is held in September near the anniversary of Sept. 11.  "Around Sept. 11 is always a good time to get everyone to stop, pause and reflect on our freedoms and those that sacrifice to protect them," he said.



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