Published Thursday, April 22, 2010
Greenville Hospital System Freedom Weekend Aloft (FWA) organizers announced that this year’s event will include not only a number of nationally known musical acts but a host of new activities, including the Freedom 5K, Freedom Ride, Elevating the Arts campaign and Purple People Eater.
The first-ever Freedom 5K will take place Saturday, May 29 at 5 p.m. and is open to runners and walkers of all athletic abilities. The 3.1-mile course will take participants through the 90-acre festival grounds at peak times, showcasing both the participants and the event, and finish at the amphitheater just as the skyline fills with hot air balloons. A one-mile route will also be available for persons with disabilities.
The Freedom Ride, a 25- or 65-mile bicycle ride starting and ending at Heritage Park will take place Sunday, May 30 at 10 a.m. Cyclists of all skill levels are encouraged to participate.
In the spirit of Memorial Day, participants can choose to run, walk or cycle in celebration, honor or memory of a friend or family member who has served or is currently serving in the military. “We are excited to introduce these two new events to the more than 175,000 people who attend Freedom Weekend Aloft each year and to honor our service men and women in such a unique way,” said FWA Chairman Dennis Waldrop. “In addition, both of these events offer participants an opportunity to get fit and be active, which is a goal of both Freedom Weekend Aloft and our title sponsor Greenville Hospital System.”
The cost to participate in either event is $26.75 and includes free event admission and parking, a free T-shirt, chance to win a free balloon ride and free admission to the Freedom 5K/Freedom Ride VIP concert viewing area. A portion of the proceeds from both events will benefit the Palmetto Peloton Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of cancer research and advocacy efforts locally, regionally and nationally through fundraising cycling events. The remaining proceeds will benefit a number of GHS community health programs and initiatives.
“Greenville Hospital System’s involvement in Freedom Weekend Aloft is about more than just being the title sponsor of a great event,” said Dennis Burns, president of GHS’ Simpsonville Medical Campus. “It’s about bringing partners like the Palmetto Peloton Project and Greenville Track Club together to make healthy events, such as the Freedom 5K and Freedom Ride, available and affordable for our community.
”Other partners in this year’s event include GHS’ Roger C. Peace Hospital-Rehabilitation, who will be onsite to provide adaptive sport demonstrations throughout the weekend. Roger C. Peace will also host a baseball tournament for young adults with mental and physical disabilities and a presentation for wounded warriors on Memorial Day.
As in previous years, a portion of event proceeds will be donated to GHS. Last year, FWA donated $30,000 to GHS’ Every Woman health education initiative and Girls on the Run program. This year, proceeds will benefit UCAN (Upstate Community Abilities Network), an initiative of Roger C. Peace that provides people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreational activities.
“Roger C. Peace is honored to be a recipient of funds and is eager to participate in Freedom Weekend Aloft and demonstrate to the community that no matter what a person’s disability, there is an adaptive method to performing almost any activity,” said Stan Healy, Administrator of Greenville Hospital System's Roger C Peace Hospital - Rehabilitation. “What makes this gift even more exciting is that every sponsor, volunteer and attendee of Freedom Weekend Aloft has a part in the continued success of UCAN.
”Burns added that healthy food options will again be available throughout the park, and FWA will be tobacco free between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Hillcrest Memorial Hospital will also be on site to provide first aid.
FWA is also partnering with Upstate Visual Arts to launch the Elevating the Arts campaign. The campaign includes an artist corridor at the event that will feature jewelry, decorative bags, photography, paintings and other creations by local artists. Items will be both on display and for sale Saturday, Sunday and Monday between noon and 7:30 p.m.“This event is experiencing more new and exciting activities, attractions and partnerships than ever before, and we are pleased to include Upstate Visual Arts in our line-up,” said Waldrop.
Last week, organizers announced concerts featuring Corey Smith, Joey + Rory, Luke Bryan, The Wailers, Edgar Winter and Blues Traveler. Additional artists have been added to this year’s line up and include 1964 The Tribute (The #1 Beatle’s Show in the World), Simpsonville’s own Mac Arnold and Plate Full O’ Blues, The US Naval Fleet Forces Band and the Four Star Naval Band.
Also new this year is the Purple People Eater. Festival goers should keep an eye to the sky as this fun, whimsical balloon is sure to fly by at any time and bring smiles to all who see it.