VINEMONT, Ala. – The Vinemont community enjoyed the second annual Freedom Fest on Friday, put on by Vinemont Schools. Festivities included inflatables, vendors, face painting, live music, free school supplies and the inaugural cruise-in car show in the middle school parking lot.
Student athletes and coaches, including volleyball coach Lance Lay and football coach Stephen Robinson, as well as the school band, greeted and entertained the crowd before the live music started.
Vinemont High School Principal Robin Netherton said he was happy to see such a big turnout for the back-to-school event.
“We had a good turnout last year. This year we added the car show, and our community really showed up today and the churches really showed up and served our community. I’m happy to be a part of a community that cares about each other like this,” Netherton said. “This event was an opportunity for us to hand out free shirts to all of our kids here; all of the food is free, the school supplies are free, so the kids have what they need when they start back to school.”
Netherton praised the local churches that stepped up to help the students.
“All we did was reach out to the churches and businesses and let them know that if you want to help serve our community, let us know. Every church jumped at the opportunity. The churches serve in ways nobody ever sees, and this is one of the ways where they can get out and meet people and hopefully show people the passion and the grace of the church,” Netherton said. “You can’t have community pride without community gatherings like this. The town of Vinemont’s doing a good job with so many other events as well, so this small community’s really together right now.”
Senior Berkley Gable gave her thoughts on the event and how much Vinemont means to her.
“A lot of people came to this event last year, and I’m glad that more people came back this year. I know that next year will be way bigger,” she said. “I love all of the churches that came out and helped with this event. It helps our community and lets them know that if you want to go to church and you want to serve the Lord, you have plenty of options. Every church in our community is so loving.”
She added, “We are a huge family. Vinemont’s nothing but a family because we’re so small. Everybody knows each other and when tragic events or good events happen, we all come together and celebrate or lean on each other when you need help. I love this event. Last year was our first year to have it and I was blown away with how amazing it was, and this year, it just tickles me knowing that my home school gets to come together and celebrate this back-to-school Freedom Fest.”
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