Jim Fair
Jeremy Blalock, lead singer for the Zac Brown Tribute Band 20 Ride, is back with his band for a return performance June 27 at Freedom Blast.
City of Greer officials announced the lineup Monday for the annual festival scheduled Saturday, June 27, 6-10:30 p.m., that emphasizes the celebration of active and veteran military leading to Independence Day.
The event is free except for unlimited children inflatables $5 per wristband. Adults will be challenged, also for $5, with a rock wall to climb and the Extreme Air bungee attraction. It’s the first adult fun attractions for the 7-year festival.
Greer’s Tunes in the Park, unrelated to the weekend holiday, is July 3.
“The date is not necessarily to precede the festivals,” Mayor Rick Danner said. “We don’t want to get lost in the real reason of the Freedom Blast, to honor and support our military and veterans.”
“That’s probably the thing that we were most impressed by,” Jeremy Blalock, the band’s lead singer, said, on a video presentation. “There are tons of Fourth of July parties, but we all tend to forget the true meaning – what the sacrifices are. It’s awesome. Greer Freedom Blast has got to be one of the best festivals we’ve ever played.”
The return of 20 Ride, a first for the festival, was the number one request from staff surveys, according to Ashlyn Stone, city events coordinator. “They kept the energy up and were so supportive of our military and veterans. I think that struck a chord with our audience and everyone associated with the even,” Stone said.
Dave Gorman, commander of Greer Chapter 39 of the DAV, said the festival’s patriotism surprised him. “I’m a yankee transplant, been down here about four years, and when I first joined the DAV chapter down here after coming from the D.C.-Maryland area, it really sort of blew me away about the community spirit here and the city of Greer in particular about putting this event on,” Gorman said.
“It really goes to show how the community can reach out and embrace the commitment of the very few, these days, who serve in active military service and provide the kinds of benefits we talk about,” Gorman said.
The Military Tribute and Veterans Walk, traditionally held before the fireworks display, will be moved to 8:35 p.m. to take of advantage of the remaining daylight. Former Marine Corps officer and pilot, Michael Middleton, who served as the advance planning team for helicopter transport of President Obama, will be the guest speaker.
Entertainment
6 p.m. – Greer Idol Teen
6:30 – Greer Idol
7:15 – Texas Roadhouse Rib Eating Contest
7:30 – 20 Ride (Zac Brown Tribute Band) first set
8:35 – Military Salute, Michael Middleton, retired Marine Corps officer and pilot, and advanced planning team for helicopter transport of President Obama.
9:10 – 20 Ride (second set)
10:10 – Fireworks
Activities
6-8 p.m. – Greenville Health System Kids Zone
6-9:30 – Inflatables kids, adults rock climbing and Extreme Air bungee
6-9 – Uniform display and DAV trailer
6-10 – Military vehicles display includes UH-72 Lakota helicopter, staff displays and information booths
6-10 – Blood Connection
Food and beverages will be along the promenade.