Michael B. of Newburgh wrote:
It's a total joke. I wouldn't take my kids there ever. It's just a bunch of people sitting there getting drunk watching one or two boats float around in the river. It's by no means a family event. I can find better ways to enjoy my day then sitting on the river bank baking in the sun and drinking all day and waking up the next day thinking yeah that was stupid. If i want to drink i can drink on my porch and have more fun at least i can get in the AC. If i want to watch a sporting event then i will turn on ESPN.
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Judy S. of Evansville wrote:
We have attended for many years, and have always enjoyed the festival. Maybe it just needs new management, someone who wants to see it succeed. And maybe bring back live music during the day.
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Jane D. of Indiana wrote:
Should have not had festival if could not afford it, think thats the problem having things and not being able to afford having them and then end up making things like taxes go up to pay for it. Cost of living is higher now and people need to be more conservative on what they spend their money on. Less entertainment or do only every couple of years than every year.
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C.C. W. of Evansville wrote:
I would drop Freedom Festival. I would concentrate more on the fireworks show. That is something everyone, every income, and no matter how large your family is can enjoy. Evansville boast its an All-American City, then it should do more family oriented functions that everyone can afford. Myself and my family enjoyed the fireworks, but never go to the boat races. Too hot, its all on concrete and no a lot for kids to do.
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Cheryl M. of Evansville wrote:
If you want more people at the Thunder, let the non profit groups that are at the fall festival come down and set up.It will draw more people to support their organization!
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Don of Henderson wrote:
When the boats were in Owensboro they never made a profit for that communities festival. I remember being very surprised when Evansville jumped on getting the boats for the Freedom Fest. I remember then thinking that it was a mistake, I am surprised that they lasted 30 years. The freedom fest can be set up like the fall festival and have smaller events and the big fireworks show and be successful.
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Bob B. of Evansville wrote:
1. get rid of button sales.make it free!!!! 2. sell spots for vending booths. 3. collect %percentage of vending sales. 4. do the same for beer gardens/stubes. 5. dump the turbine boats,pistons only. 6. add drag boat racing, open to anyone. 7. charge entry fee for #6. 8. race weiner dogs.charge fee. 9. do the dock jumping dogs. 10.fire the race commity for lying to the public,about what a great profit the festival was! they lie every year! it isn't untill later when paper prints an article on the last page bottom corner,on how much they continue to llloooooosssee!!!!!
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Charlie M. Of Evansville wrote:
We probably could hold R/C boat races in the new stadium, if a funding mechanism is in place.
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Kevin B. of Evansville wrote:
I went to the first 10 boat races they are still my favorite motor sport. But I have not been in couple of years for a couple of reasons. First I dont know if they can shorten the time between heats but it is a long day in the heat.Two I think they have to do something to make it more competitive like nascar people back so many drivers if you know one or two boats are going to win why spend your money on going that has always been a problem if you more people backing different boats I would be more likely to take my kids and fight the heat
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Dennis F. of Evansville wrote:
Doesn't seem like the Freedom Festival has much left in the tank. I think the fireworks are obviously something that should remain, but the festival should change significantly. Jacob from Owensboro makes a great point, Hydroplane racing is not exciting. I live in Florida, but when I plan a trip back home, I usually do so for the fall festival...definitely not for the Freedom Festival.
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Joseph R. of Maceo, KY wrote:
Let it go. stop having it.
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Jason of Evansville wrote:
OK, There is no money for City Employees for a pay raise...no money for the bill for the Freedom Festival...No Parking, Continuous Construction, High Crime, Vehicle Fires all the Time...But boy, The Mayor sure has plans to build a Stadium we do not need...where did that money come from...and of course keeping with the Evansville Tradition, I am sure there will be no Parking if it is forced down the peoples throught...People are tired of seeing a boat make a continuous Left Turn... Get With It...
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Jacob N. of Owensboro, KY wrote:
It seems like every year that we hear that the Freedom Festival is failing, and it's finally becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. The whole program needs to be shaken up; hydroplane racing is not what it once was, and aside from a very small number of fans, it isn't a draw. Owensboro dropped its race many years ago, and no one really seems to miss it. We have the BBQ Festival, which draws big crowds year-in and year-out. In truth, I'd like to see a comparison of the attendance numbers between the Freedom Festival and the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. Somehow I think the Nut Clubbers draw a larger crowd, despite the fact that their festival is not along the riverfront. Weather could be a factor, but I don't know how much so.
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Rodney C. of Madisonville, KY wrote:
i think it is time to do away with the freedom fest it cost to munch to go to it the buttons are to high bring something else to the river front that you would not have to buy a button and it would cost less
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Sheila H. of Owensville, IN wrote:
