Tacoma Freedom Fair Expands From One to Four Days, Anticipates 125,000

TACOMA, Wash., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- While other events are being cancelled or scaled back, the Tacoma Events Commission (TEC) is embarking on the biggest expansion in its 32-year history.  The 2011 Tacoma Freedom Fair - celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation - is expanding from one to four days, each offering an exciting event in a different location.  Regulars needn't worry - the annual festivities on the Ruston Way waterfront, complete with live music, a thrilling air show, and fireworks over Commencement Bay, are still planned to culminate the four-day extravaganza on July 4.

Freedom Fair 2011 kicks off on July 1 with Military Aviation Night during the Tacoma Rainiers game at Cheney Stadium.  Game goers will enjoy a special presentation honoring the Centennial of Naval Aviation, military displays and fireworks dedicated to our armed forces.  Area businesses, organizations and individuals can purchase blocks of tickets that the TEC will distribute in their name to military personnel, their families and veteran groups.  Purchasers can also choose to receive the tickets for distribution as they wish.  Each ticket comes with a free ballpark meal.  

"We want to give our military personnel a special time together and provide the audience a chance to salute them," said Carole Lail, TEC board chair.  "To make this an annual event, Freedom Fair organizers need donations from the community to fund the ticket give-away."

To participate, call the TEC office at (253) 507-9357 or order online at FreedomFair.com.

On July 2, the Admiralty Gala will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Tacoma.  This event will feature music by Tony La Stella and the Gumbas, dancing and a dinner celebrating the life and career of Admiral James S. Russell - a Tacoma native and pioneer naval aviator - as well others who exemplify the American spirit.  The TEC's inaugural Celebrate! Awards and Tacoma Events Hall of Fame inductions will recognize individuals and organizations for exemplary service and achievement, in addition to selfless sacrifice and a patriotic spirit.

Aviation and car buffs won't want to miss Freedom Fair Wings & Wheels on July 3 at the Tacoma Narrows Airport.  The event features a car and motorcycle show and opportunities to meet Tacoma Air Show pilots and get a close-up look at special aircraft, including those that will fly aerobatics over Commencement Bay on July 4.  Helicopter and airplane rides will be available.  In addition, a B-17 and B-25, two rare WWII bombers, will also be available for tours and rides from June 28 through July 4.  Be sure to catch the Indy race car display, as well as the 300 mph race down the runway by the Smoke n Thunder Jet Car.  Ticket sales help support the presentation of the Freedom Fair events.

The Centennial Celebration weekend concludes on July 4 with the annual Tacoma Freedom Fair & Air Show, filling two miles of the Ruston Way waterfront.  

Additional details for each event, as well as ticket information, can be found at www.FreedomFair.com.  Volunteers for planning committees and day-of-event support are needed.  A wide range of positions are available.  People interested in volunteering are asked to visit the Freedom Fair website to register.  Inquiries can be left at (253) 791-7259 or by email at [email protected].  Sponsors are needed to help support the numerous event elements.

The Tacoma Events Commission is an independent, community-based, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit producer of festivals and events such as the Gray Sky Blues Music Festival, Orting Pumpkin Fest, and the University Place Festival. For more information, please go to FreedomFair.com or TacomaEvents.com.

SOURCE Tacoma Events Commission (TEC)