Car Cruise ‘n Show

2022 Award Winners

2022 People’s Choices

What is your favorite part of the Fourth of July? Is it the Patriotic Sing, the Family Music Night, the parade, the fireworks, or simply getting together with family and friends? While it’s difficult for some people to choose one favorite, all of these events in “A Star Spangled Celebration” bring our community together to celebrate in a special way.

For many families, it is the car cruise and show. They head downtown early in the morning to get a spot on the sidewalk of Monterey Road well before the start of the parade. They speculate about the cars that will roll by (and hope to see the “dream” car.) Will they see muscle cars that roar so loud that they shake us to the bone? Or will they be amazed by the ingenuity represented by cars of the early 1900s? Will they see a vehicle that looked like it belonged in a museum? Viewers won’t be disappointed in the variety of cars to enjoy watching before the parade comes through with its floats, equestrians, and bands.

Whether you love rare vehicles that are over 100 years old, trucks that rumble, a car that reminds you of your childhood, or a supercar from the 2000s, this year’s car cruise and show is sure to have something that makes your jaw drop. Over one-hundred unique and captivating cars have preregistered for the car cruise and will be lined up on the northbound lanes of Monterey Road by 8:30 am on July 4. At precisely 9:00am, our car cruise will motor around the parade route beginning at the corner of Monterey Road and Main Ave. When the parade ends, head downtown to see the vehicles up close and personal during the FREE car show. The cars will be lined up on the southbound side of Monterey Rd between Main Ave and Dunne Ave where the public can vote for

2022 Judge’s Choices

the most unique, best paint, coolest wheels, hottest rear end, or the “one you want in your garage”! Awards will be handed out at the Third Street Stage at 1:30pm. Will your favorite be a winner? Join in the fun of this year’s car cruise and show as Morgan Hill shares “A Star Spangled Celebration”!

Music is a Universal Language

The 2023 Freedom Fest Celebration will feature multiple musical performances by 4 bands, a children’s choir and several soloists over the two-day series of events.

The 2023 Freedom Fest begins at 5 p.m. July 3 with a musical performance by school children at the Patriotic Sing The children have been practicing for weeks on songs of our country. Musical Director Karen Crane has been leading the children for decades, working with generations of Morgan Hill’s youth. The event will also pay tribute to our active military and veterans. The event also presents scholarships to former singers!

Walk downtown from the Patriotic Sing to the Family Music Fest on Monterey Road, this year’s event begins an hour earlier at 6 p.m. There are 3 stages for music this year. The stage at West 5th and Monterey will feature the Country Cougars, who are sponsored by Bubbles and Brew. At the eastern intersection of 3rd and Monterey get ready to move with DJ D-Ram. The Main Stage is at a new location this year, at the corner of 4th and Monterey Road,

Patriotic Singers

The 2023 Freedom Fest Celebration will feature great music throughout the two days of events in Morgan Hill.

Country Cougars

next to the Methodist Church. Perennial favorites the Usual Suspects will be sharing their high energy Classic Rock after the National Anthem performed by local Alison Turner and the Patriotic Singers will perform during the band break.

The National Anthem will be sung at each of the four announcer’s stands prior to the Parade

This year’s performers include: Nathan Casteel, Alison Turner, Nicole Yarbough and Robert Butler. During the parade, a watch for a special float featuring the cast from the musical, The Little Mermaid from BroadwaySouthBay.com. They will be performing some crowd favorites.

The Fireworks on the Green, located at the Sports Center on Condit Road, will kick off with a performance of the National Anthem by Abby Wilcox. The event features two bands this year: Arena and The Hitmen. Arena will open at 5:30 p.m. followed by The Hitmen, a tight-knit group who consistently deliver high energy dance music. The music ends promptly at 9:30 p.m. to allow for the start of the fireworks show.

DJ D-Ram

The Country Cougars are a hot ‘rockin’ country band playing new and classic country and quickly becoming one of Northern California’s favorite bands. They play rodeos, wineries, and festivals and cover artists including Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan as well as country legends Johnny Cash, Patty Loveless, Alan Jackson and others. Their energy gets the crowd on their feet and ready to party! Learn more at www. countrycougars.com.

Arena

2023 Music Schedule

Tuesday, July 3

*New Start Times

Patriotic Sing

Morgan Hill Community Center

E. Dunne Avenue and Monterey Road

5 - 6 p.m.

(Performed by local students)

Family Music Fest

Downtown Morgan Hill Monterey Road between Main Street and Dunne Avenue

4th Street, Main Stage

*New Location

6:05 p.m.

National Anthem

6:10 – 6:30 p.m.

Alison Turner

6:40 – 7:15 p.m.

The Usual Suspects

Arena performs rock classics and R&B dance music from the 70s to today’s latest hits all presented with strong vocals, excellent instrumental skill, and a dynamic stage presence. Check them out at www.arenaband.us when planning your next event. Arena can provide great music that is the foundation for a great party!

The Usual Suspects

Local children practice for hours in the weeks leading to our Independence Day Celebration and they perform at their Patriotic Sing as well as Family Music Fest and Fireworks on the Green. Check the Freedom Fest social media page to join in the fun next year!

Alison Turner

Singer-songwriter Alison Turner is a rising country music talent originally from South County. Now a Nashville resident, Alison, is a girl on a mission. Moving to music city at the age of 17, she set out to pave a path for herself in the music industry. Turner will complete her studies in commercial voice performance in 2024 at Belmont University, Nashville. Her powerhouse vocals, catchy melodies, and love for Jesus and country music can be seen through her recent releases and her dazzling stage presence. Welcome back to the Main Stage, Alison Turner!

DJ D-Ram is a Professional DJ and owner of Custom DJ Entertainment Company. With many years of Music and DJ experience, D-Ram started DJing in Bay Area Clubs when he was just 13 years old. And continues to DJ parties and festivals up and down the west coast. Playing a variety of music to dance to and enjoy.

The Usual Suspects have performed at a Morgan Hill 4th of July Fireworks Show or Family Music Fest in 25 of the past 27 years! They will be rocking the Main Stage with their repertoire of high-energy Classic Rock music that will get you on your feet. Visit to learn more: www.usualsuspectsrock.com.

The Hit Men

Relive rock’s greatest hits with The Hit Men— the real guys who performed with legendary artists including members of Foreigner, Journey, Styx, Steely Dan, Cheap Trick, 3 Dog Night, Cream, and The Who. In their exciting multi-media concert, The Hit Men celebrate their associations with these mega-stars, share their first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history!

7:15 – 7:30 p.m.

Children’s Patriotic Singers

7:30 – 10 p.m.

The Usual Suspects

5th Street Stage

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

The Country Cougars

3rd Street Stage

*New Location

6:30 - 10 p.m.

DJ D-Ram

July 4th

Fireworks on the Green Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center

Condit Road between E. Dunne and Tennant avenues

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Arena

7:30 - 8 p.m.

Karen Crane & The Patriotic Singers

8 - 9:30 p.m.

The Hit Men the Announced July 3rd at Patriotic Sing.

Teachers plant the seeds of knowledge that last forever!