St. Matthews kicks off 4th of July weekend with inaugural Freedom Fest

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The City of St. Matthews kicked off Independence Day celebrations a day early Friday with its inaugural Freedom Fest.

The event took over part of Westport Road between Independence Bank and St. Matthews Avenue. It was the first time businesses and residents came together for a community-wide Fourth of July celebration.

Freedom Fest featured a classic car show, a touch-a-truck with St. Matthews police and firefighters, a Little Patriot Fun Run, inflatable games, local food vendors, a beer garden, marketplace booths and live music throughout the evening.

Admission was free, but the event also served as a fundraiser. Proceeds will benefit the St. Matthews Fire Department Benevolence Fund, Foundation 31 and other local first responder foundations supporting police, fire and EMS.

"There are lots of celebrations to honor everyone that's came before us," one of the organizers said. "But this is not only the people that have come before us but really to help take care of the ones that are here every day taking care of us."

Organizers said they hope Freedom Fest becomes an annual tradition in the neighborhood.