ANNUAL FREEDOM CELEBRATION FOCUSES ON FOUNDING OF NATION

The eighth annual Freedom Celebration at First General Baptist Church will focus on the founding fathers and the role religion played in the creation of the United States government.

Every year the musical, which incorporates singers from 17 different churches, changes its theme. But one thing remains consistent with the Freedom Celebration: its popularity.

Freedom Celebration musical director Margo Emerson, who is directing her fourth celebration, said the sanctuary at First General Baptist is always filled to its 250-seat capacity for the show.

"Last year the show was full every night," Emerson said, emphasizing the importance of making arrangements to attend the show early. "Tickets must be purchased in advance rather than at the door."

This year's Freedom Celebration theme is Freedom's Holy Light, Emerson said. It will deal mainly with the founding fathers and how they looked to God for guidance.

In addition to traditional versions of patriotic songs, the 35 adult members of the Freedom Celebration Choir will be performing a new version of some old songs -- like "My Country Tis of Thee."

"It's a new rendition, but it's the same song," Emerson said. "It's a fun one."

Accompanying the music will be a slide show, a narrative, speeches of past presidents and the presentation of the Gettysburg Address by Richard Krueger, an Abraham Lincoln look-alike.

A 15-person children's choir will also present a song dealing with the choices children have in America. A different child soloist will open the show every night with the song, "Teach Me About My Freedom."

The show lasts about an hour and a half, Emerson said, and will feature a traditional favorite that involves the audiences' performance.

"We ask that people who have served in the military, or who are in the military, stand and join in when their service's theme is played," she said. "At the end of that Taps is played. It's a pretty emotional moment."

The show will conclude with the grand finale, Emerson said, which is a mix of traditional songs like "America The Beautiful" and "Glory Hallelujah."

"It takes a lot of energy to sing it," Emerson said. "But the audience will get pretty excited."

Admission is $2 in advance and tickets can be purchased by calling 334-2234.