Freedom Festival swings into Fenton for Fourth

FENTON (WJRT) -- (07/04/09)--This year's Fourth of July may have gotten off to a chilly start, but that wasn't enough to keep Genesee County residents away from Fenton's Independence Day parade.

The Fenton Freedom Festival was in full swing on Saturday and the brisk morning air eventually gave way to a beautiful setting in downtown Fenton.  The parade, a pancake breakfast and a sunrise service  attracted hundreds of guests.

Michele Casey was one of those guests for the first time.  She says she learned a tough lesson this year.

"Economy-wise, we can't go up north when we want to go up north," she said.  "Just trying to stay home (and) save our money."

Casey says that staying home for the holiday will save her more than $200 in gas money.

Others had different reasons for attending the festivities.

"I think that we absolutely, positively have to have our patriotism in full gear," said Fenton resident Judy Brushaber.  "Behind our guys, behind our nation."

Hundreds lined Shiawassee Road to catch some candy, floats and even some sun.  But what excited some the most was what they didn't see.

"We're excited that it's not an election year so we won't have all of the politicians in the parade this year," said one resident.

Still, for many, the highlight of Fenton's Freedom Festival wasn't the musical performances, or the creative costumes, or even a dancing crocodile.

The best part is that it's in Fenton.

At least that's what Casey said, now that she is starting her own tradition this year -- a little closer to home.

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