The food was good, the music was good, the program honoring the soldiers' return from Iraq was heartwarming and the crowd was bigger than ever. Freedom Fest 2006 was an event to remember.

More than 400 people showed up for this year's festival on July 1 at Whites Creek Lake in Eupora and they were not disappointed. Several fishermen, as they were landing their boats on their trailers, couldn't resist the smell of good food and the music by the Survivors 2006, singers and players.

Events such as this represent small-town life at its best. Half the fun is seeing old friends we haven't talked to since this time last year. It kind of reminds everyone of a church social or tailgating at a football game.

Proceeds from this event put Eupora one step closer to the grand opening of the BLY Fine Arts Center. Precious dollars were raised to help fund this facility in Eupora. Main Street is busy with construction right now. Maybe one day those pictures of old Eupora will come alive again, and mom-and-pop businesses that are small-town life will be revived.

Don Pounds Enterprises would like to thank you for the support everyone has given the Survivors over the years.

"We do not take your trust lightly. If we can keep just one of our young folks off the streets and out of trouble then it is more than worth the sacrifice."

Events such as Freedom Fest would not be possible without the support of its sponsors: Plymouth Tube Co., Belinda Stewart Architects, Dewberry Insurance, The Relaxation Station, Southern Belle Screenprinting, Murphy Drug & Gifts, Pounds Sporting Goods & Music, Pear Tree Corner and Eupora Electronics.

Everyone wishes a thank you to the sponsors.