For well over 100 years the village of Freeport Michigan has had some form of community celebration. The photo to the left is from 1914 just under 40 years from when Freeport was first plotted in 1875. Over this time this celebration has been called Freeport Day, Freeport Homecoming, as well as Freeport Fun Day. In 1936 we saw competitions during this event ranging from a fat mans race (must be over 200 pounds to enter), and a most notable husband-calling contest. In 1950 we saw a women’s nail driving and a greased pole contest. In 1956 we could participate in Western Horse Show. In a catalogue of prizes distributed sometime before 1923, the list of prizes included Semdac Polish, 4 cans of pork and beans, 1 box of Hytone Stationery, 2 pounds of Quaker Coffee, and a 5 pound Package of NucoNut. In 1968 the Wolfram Fechner Quintet brought the Saturday Night music to you. In 1980, music came to us by the Hickory Creek County-Western Band. Today this community celebration, which has been previously called Freeport Fun Day, is going back to its heritage. 98 years after the celebration in the 1914 photo the 2012 celebration is now called Freeport Homecoming. Some notable changes include, a street dance Friday Night with music by the Jessica Price Band, a main stage located in the heart of the Freeport, Saturday DJ music, a huge 3 acre inflatable children’s obstacle and children’s events, one of the biggest car shows and parade in this area for the month of August in Barry County, a hot air balloon raffle and launch Saturday night, bale rolling, and WII bowling to name just a few.
