Thursday's 11 a.m. parade in downtown Austin will mark the beginning of Freedom Fest in the Heartland, making it the 17th annual community festival event.

Festivities during the four days will include races, games, softball tournaments, singers and fireworks, just to name a few.

Thursday, there will be a balloon release and military fly-over as the parade rolls through downtown Austin.

Children will be able to try their luck at numerous games and contests Thursday afternoon and evening in Horace Austin Park. A mini-carnival with games like the Freedom joust, moon walk, frog bog, water wars and gelatin jump will keep the kids entertained from 1 p.m. until the fireworks start. Some activities are free, but others cost a small fee.

Ridiculous Relays registration takes place from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday on Main Street, west of the swimming pool. Instructions for relays, which include, among others, the Widdle Waddle, Dizzy Lizzy and Hula Hoop Bounce, are available at 329 N. Main St. and are handed out before the relays begin.

Also on Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. families swim free at the Austin Municipal Pool thanks to the Early Morning and Noon Kiwanis clubs.

Other events throughout the day include entertainment by AnnMarie Wagner, Miss Austin 2002 at 6:30 p.m. and jazz band music and sounds from the Austin Community Band from 8:15 to 9:45 p.m.

Friday

On Friday, kids can participate in the Kiddie Parade and awards will be given away. Children's entertainment in the park continues from 9:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. with face painting, games, mini-train rides and a petting zoo.

Friday, Ellie Ramseth will sing at 11 a.m. and Wagner will also provide entertainment at 11:45 a.m. The rest of the afternoon will feature entertainment from Carrie Braaten, Bethany Larson, Margo Bissen and Family, the Jane Taylor Dancers, Taylor Carlson and there will also be a martial arts demonstration.

The night wraps up with a street dance on Main starting at 8 p.m. and ending after 11 p.m. One stage will feature rock bands Fat Rudy and Radio Cats and the country bands Chase Roberts and Robin Breeze will play on the other. The cost is $5 for the entertainment, open beer garden and food vendors.