Michael Cripe
Special to the Citizen

Residents of Camden Point joined together Saturday to celebrate under a patriotic atmosphere.

As part of Camden Point’s annual Freedom Festival, citizens of the tight-knit Missouri town gathered for a prideful parade and atmospheric music.

The parade started things off just after 5 p.m. with soldiers leading the way. Following closely behind were firetrucks, tractors, and even a pair of horses. Each vehicle threw out plenty of candy and goodies for all ages as the parade made its way through the streets.

Adding to the flare was the city’s portrayal of American Flags hanging throughout the streets.

As the line of patriotism came to an end, the groups rushed over to a nearby field to come to the evening’s main event.

Heading down to the field yielded sights, smells and sounds only available to those familiar with Camden Point’s Freedom Festival. Locals sat under sun-soaked awnings in the late-June heat while the parade was underway in order to prepare foods like ice cream and burgers. As the parade viewers left for the food, all of the food was ready for eating.

After grabbing some grub, guests could move over to a kitted-out gazebo, filled with instruments for an impending final act.

Veteran of the television show “The Voice,” Casi Joy, was this year’s Freedom Festival guest artist.

Country star Blake Shelton says Joy brings an “electric energy to the stage” and his claim was held up Saturday. Joy and her band of “Joy Boys” played hits from different corners of music, including songs from Johnny Cash and Fleetwood Mac.

For a night, Joy’s talents came to those in attendance of the Freedom Festival.

Finally, months of planning finally led up to the end of the show that ended in an appropriate, Independence Day celebration with fireworks.