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Rounding out this week, we will be celebrating the founding of our country through Fourth of July activities.

As the Fourth falls on Friday, Austin will be celebrating its annual Freedom Fest over Thursday and Friday, featuring a number of different music acts, entertainment opportunities, games, food and of course fireworks following the Community Band performance Friday night.

This is one of the biggest parties held in Austin all year as families return home, friends reunite and memories are once again kindled.

As part of this weekend, we ask you to pass a thought for those that make this happen each year, because Freedom Fest is a prime example of what can be achieved when people who care about our community come together for a common purpose.

Taken over a couple years ago by the Austin Enhancement Group, it’s important to realize that the work put into this two-day event each year is 100% volunteer. There are no salaries. Just fundraising to help put on a party that people will come back to year after year.

That sphere is pushed even larger when you think about the number of volunteers recruited to help this event run smoothly.

Certainly, it’s not the only event that exemplifies this ideal as the Austin ArtWorks Festival is another example of an event that relies heavily on volunteers. However, Freedom Fest stands out somewhat because people are willing to give their time during the holiday to help ensure others have a good experience.

That’s big because volunteers are taking time away from their families. Away from their friends.

The group behind AEG believes in hometown and believe that in order to make it what it is you have to give a part of yourself.

So while you’re out enjoying everything Freedom Fest has to offer, please take some time to maybe thank those giving their time to make it possible and in the future, maybe consider giving a little bit of yourself to help out.

It’s a rewarding way to give back and important in keeping a tradition alive in Austin.