Florence to mark nation's 250th with Freedom Fest headlined by Sheila E., local lineup and fireworks

Florence will stage an expanded July 4 Freedom Fest to mark the nation's 250th birthday, Mayor Keith Eaton and Paul King, the town's director of community services, said during the mayor's program. The pool will open at 1:00 p.m., park activities and food vendors will begin at 5:00 p.m., and a fireworks display is scheduled to begin about 9:15 p.m. and run roughly 20 minutes.

Paul King said the day's stage lineup features local teen vocalist Evelyn El Aronte performing the national anthem, followed by Blind Siders, Phoenix/Scottsdale band Honey Girl (whose lead guitarist also plays with the Gin Blossoms) and headliner Sheila E., who will appear with a 10-person ensemble. King said organizers expect a larger crowd than in previous years and have moved the event site to the soccer fields adjacent to the pool to improve capacity and handicap parking access.

The event will include family- and adult-oriented activities: a rib-eating contest hosted by Kyle of Birds and Bones, a 24-foot water slide and inflatables for children, an axe-throwing contest and first-come/first-serve cornhole boards. King said permanent cornhole boards are delayed by procurement timing and the town will bring portable high-quality boards instead. Major sponsors named by the mayor include Florence Copper, APS and SRP.

Safety measures will include a visible presence by Florence's police, fire and CERT teams, complimentary public water and shaded areas, and King urged attendees to hydrate and bring sun protection. For full event schedules, vendor lists and accessibility details, residents were directed to the town's social media channels and webpage.