Even if the weather didn’t exactly cooperate, it was a great Freedom Fest weekend thanks to the efforts of many, many volunteers.

Saturday’s muggy heat emphasized that it was July, but didn’t stop runners from enjoying the Hog Jog, or airplane-and-food enthusiasts from filling a hangar for the fly-in breakfast at the airport. And it certainly didn’t diminish the many other family activities throughout the day.

And while rain dampened the parade, it certainly didn’t stop it — or stop an only-slightly-smaller-than-usual crowd from watching. And the fireworks were magnificant.

None of that could happen without two things: Money and the gift of time. Dozens of businesses and individuals contributed the money, and many more volunteered their time — not least those who served on the planning committee: Mark Bjorlie, Mark Bliese, Leo Coyle, Bud Johnson, Tim Hoag, Brad Johnson, Rob Bowe, Terry Fox, Angie Himebaugh, Jim Nelson, Kim Underwood and Jeff Baldus.

Without the work of many, and the financial support of many more, Freedom Fest wouldn’t have happened. Hats off to those who contributed.