The Champaign County Forest Preserve has canceled the 2020 Freedom Fest, an annual Fourth of July Celebration at Lake of the Woods.
“The continuing uncertainty of the pandemic and concern for the health and safety of participants made it the right decision, albeit a very difficult one”, stated Mary Ellen Wuellner, the Forest Preserve District’s executive director. “We know this event is a long-standing tradition for the Champaign County community. We look forward to the day when we will be able to safely come together for these fun community celebrations.”
Uncertainty around Illinois’ timeline to allow large public gatherings contributed to the decision, as did the inability to secure sufficient volunteer assistance to carry out the large event given the COVID-19 safety concerns.
“It is challenging to secure a sufficient number of volunteers to work the entry gates and handle parking responsibilities in the best of years. In 2020, that task would be nearly impossible,” Wuellner noted.
The Forest Preserve District plans to resume the fireworks show in 2021.
