Kick Loose at Freedom Fest

The first-ever Rocky Mountain Freedom Festival kicks off at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center tonight with live music, carnival rides, fireworks and the sweet smell of a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition. But beyond the good grub and summertime entertainment, this three-day event is also a fundraiser for...

By Bree Davies

June 30, 2011

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The first-ever Rocky Mountain Freedom Festival kicks off at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center tonight with live music, carnival rides, fireworks and the sweet smell of a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition. But beyond the good grub and summertime entertainment, this three-day event is also a fundraiser for several patient advocacy groups, including a newly formed nonprofit called the Ripple Project.

When Freedom Festival organizer and Ripple Project founder JJ Dedmon’s mother passed away of a misdiagnosed heart attack in 2001, Dedmon made it her mission keep others from suffering the same trauma. “I vowed at that point to share my knowledge as a nurse,” she says of her desire to create the nonprofit and its supporting event.

Just $5 gets you in the gates each day; $10 nets a weekend pass; and seniors, children under five and those with a valid military ID are admitted free. The festival runs tonight from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The fairgrounds are located just off I-25 in Castle Rock; for event schedules and other information, visit www.rmfreedomfestival.com or call 720-883-8251.
July 1-3, 2011

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Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

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Twitter: @cocodavies