The Adams County Freedom Festival, a cherished community tradition typically held around the Fourth of July or Labor Day weekend, will not take place in 2025, organizers have confirmed.
Hosted annually at the Adams County Fairgrounds and sponsored by the West Union Lions Club, the festival has long been a highlight of the summer season, drawing families from across the region for an evening of food, entertainment, and fireworks.
In a statement, the Lions Club cited rising costs of fireworks, made worse by recent international tariffs, as the primary reason for the cancellation.
“The costs have simply become unsustainable for this year,” club representatives said. “We want to ensure that when we do host the Freedom Festival, it’s an event worthy of our community and our country.”
While the 2025 event has been canceled, the club is already looking ahead to 2026, with plans to bring the festival back in a big way to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
“We’re committed to coming back stronger in 2026 for the semiquincentennial,” the club noted. “This will be a milestone celebration not just for the nation, but for Adams County.”
The Freedom Festival has historically drawn strong attendance, whether held near Independence Day or on Labor Day weekend, as it was last year. Organizers hope that with more time to plan and secure funding, the 2026 event will honor that tradition and provide an even more meaningful celebration.
Further details about the 2026 Freedom Festival are expected to be announced early next year.
