CRESTLINE – The Crestline Freedom Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. July 3. VFW Post 2920 will present the colors and raise the American Flag at the Central Park gazebo. Mayor Linda Horning-Pitt will give the welcome.

DJ Brian Hauck will play at the gazebo until 9 p.m., sponsored by Frank’s Treat Time. The Crestline Community Development Team (CCDT) will provide hotdogs, chips and water for a donation. Triple D Concessions food truck will be set up at the corner of Union and Seltzer streets.

“What a great way to celebrate our independence by having a nice night downtown followed by fireworks,” said Clayton Herold, CCDT leader.

There will be many activities for families, including face painting, patriotic family photos by Robyn Almanson Photography, a bounce house for kids sponsored by the Galion-Crestline Chamber of Commerce, children’s games by New Vision Church of God of Prophecy, and more.

Those attending will have a chance to “dunk” Student Resource Officer Bush or Fire Chief Steve Krock at a dunk tank sponsored by Ginger Snapps Photography.

Contests start at 7 p.m. with the children’s patriotic bike contest. Prizes are sponsored by Kim Metzger, Norwex independent consultant. Age groups are 4 and younger, 5-7, 8-10 and 11-12. Kids and their bikes should line up in front of the gazebo on Seltzer Street.

Red, White and BARK dog costume contest will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Susan’s Doggy Spa, first place will win $60 off a service, second place will win $20 off a service and all participants will receive $10 off a service.

The downtown activities will end with drawing the winners of the 50/50 raffle and the wooden eagle raffle at 9 p.m. Winners will be announced at the gazebo.

Fireworks will be shot off from the old Hutson Stadium at 10 p.m., sponsored by the Crestline Lions Club. For public safety, the stadium will be closed to public entry.

“We hope to see a good attendance and look forward to a great event,” Herold said.