Celebrate Freedom 2007 a Surefire Show

Last year, I sat in the swealtering 90-degree weather in the middle of 200,000 people at the largest outdoor concert in America, and this year I'm going back. This is the experience of 'Celebrate Freedom,' an outdoor, free Christian concert headlining over 30 bands from around the nation. This year, KLTY 94.9 returns with just as many bands as previous years and a show thats guaranteed to satisfy. Sponsored by Chick-fil-A, Capital One, Interstate Batteries, Allstate and Dr. Pepper to name a few, the show not only attracts people from around the lone-star state, but all over the nation. Celebrate Freedom takes place on Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30.

The Events

This year, audiences can look forward the Chick-fil-A Cafe for 'round the clock food, Capital One 'No Hassle' Parking and the return of Livin' It Skate Park. 94.9 will host several booths and events, including band signing booths for fans and backstage broadcasts throughout the show. For kids, the Chick-fil-A blimp will return dropping goodies and prizes into the crowd and jumbotrons will entertain all ages of young ones. Along with all of this, attendants can also look forward to booths by all the sponsors, including Toyota, Allstate, Chick-fil-A, Capital One, Dr Pepper, Cici's Pizza, The Dallas Mavericks and Geico, all with their own promotions and giveaways.

The Bands

The main reason, of course, for the entire event is the music. This year, Celebrate Freedom boasts 37 bands, each giving a near full-length performance. Headliners include Casting Crowns, Toby Mac and Skillet. Casting Crowns has a large draw among contemporary Christian music fans. Toby Mac draws a young, vibrant audience with his original rap/hip-hop style. This ex-DC Talk member has had a large amount of success over the past few years due to his talent and increasing fan-base. Skillet is back after a few years of lying low with an incredibly original album released in 2006.

Bands drawing a younger crowd include the new, rising stars of Rush of Fools and rock-band Sanctus Real. Thousand Foot Krutch and Superchic[k] will also perform, each of who have a decent sized fan-base. More bands include Aaron Shust, Bebo Norman, Marcos Witt, Natalie Grant, Rebecca St. James, Barlowgirl and Building 429.

What you need to know

1. Get there early. If you want good seats, get there early. There are over 200,000 attendees from last year, many likely to return and the good spots go fast.
2. Don't forget to get tickets! Tickets are found free at any Metroplex area Chick-fil-A, Interstate Batteries All Battery Center, Care Now and Capital One Kwik Kar centers.
3. Parking does cost. While the concert is free, don't forget that it costs $15 for one-day parking and $25 for two-day parking at South Fork Ranch.
4. No coolers and food allowed inside the ranch, though you may leave it in your car. Unfortunately, due to security reasons, outside food is not permitted in the Ranch, however there are plenty of snack and meal vendors within the grounds.
5. The gates to the ranch will open on 2 pm on Friday afternoon and open at 6 am on Saturday morning.
6. Plan for the weather. Chances are, it will be hot and humid, bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and plan to be purchasing or refilling your water. And don't forget your tents or umbrellas!
7. Restrooms are available, but not without a short walk.
8. Bring spending money, there is lots of great stuff from all the bands and sponsors. While a lot is free giveaways, there is some you will want to purchase, not to mention snacks and candies.
9. Check the schedule. There are a lot of bands playing, and you may wish to only stay a couple of hours, check out when each band is performing or tune into 94.9 to listen to the music. There is a lot of waiting around and plan on spaces in between your favorite artists.
10. Have fun! There is a lot of work that goes into this event to entertain all 200,000 audience members and there is a lot to do and much to enjoy!