Thursday night, the Fredonia community and the surrounding area came together to celebrate the freedom the citizens of the United States of America enjoy each day.
“Thunder In The Valley” has become an annual event sponsored by the Fredonia First Baptist Church that brings residents from far and near to the Buddy Rogers Park to enjoy a time of fellowship, music, food, fireworks, and to recognize a special member of the community. Thursday night’s attendance is believed to be a record-breaking turnout to enjoy and celebrate the event. The ballfield itself was nearly full of people sitting in chairs, lying on blankets, and walking around enjoying themselves. The ballfield was not the only place people were gathered, as cars were parked along Cassidy Avenue, with groups sitting in chairs in the back of trucks waiting for the fireworks. The side streets were lined up solid with vehicles parked nearly back to Highway 91, with some parked on the side of 91 awaiting the fireworks show. Fredonia First Baptist Church Pastor Presley Lamm coordinated the event and was thankful for everyone who helped make the night possible.
click to download audioLamm explained that First Baptist had some other partners working with their church in sponsoring the event and fireworks.
click to download audioLamm noted as he looked across the ballfield that the number of people in Fredonia for Thunder in the Valley was impressive and made getting around difficult.
click to download audioOne of the highlights of the night was when Lamm presented the Citizen of the Year Award. This recognition goes to an individual who has worked for years for Fredonia and activities for the community. He added that the person often works in the background and is not visible to the public to see their contribution to the community. Lamm presented the award this year to Roger Mitchell. Mitchell shared he was thankful for the award and laughed that now he would have to work even harder.
click to download audioMitchell said he had been active in the Fredonia community for the past 30 years.
click to download audioDiane Hopkins has lived in Fredonia for several years and works at the Fredonia Valley Bank. She said she and the bank always help get ready for the night and enjoys the fireworks.
click to download audioRena Hillyard is a longtime resident of Fredonia and noted that she always comes to the night’s activities and what she enjoys about it.
click to download audioDuring the activities leading up to the fireworks, Billy Baker with the VFW 5595 Auxiliary presented a check to Pam Faughn with the Fredonia Heritage Society for $5,000.00 to be used at the Veterans Memorial Park. Dana Dyer with Woodmen Life also brought their big American Flag to be displayed during the playing of the National Anthem. Promptly at 9:00 p.m., the impressive fireworks display began for the community.
