Written by Kari Sundberg
Jul 14, 2025
9th Annual celebration set for July 25-27.
The 9th Annual Freedom Festival in Goodridge is gearing up for its biggest year yet, now extended to a full weekend of events from Friday through Sunday, July 25-27. The family-friendly festival continues to honor veterans while bringing the community together for live music, food, art and fun. Most of the action takes place at the Goodridge Veterans Memorial Park, with activities and attractions spread throughout town.
Freedom Run 5K – Friday, July 25
The celebration kicks off with the annual Freedom Run 5K on Friday night. The run begins and ends at the Goodridge Lions Hall parking lot. Day-of registration starts at 6:30 p.m. with runners taking off at 7 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. Those who pre-register are guaranteed a t-shirt. Same-day registrations are welcome but t-shirts are only available while supplies last. Shirts will also be for sale during the run and at the festival.All proceeds benefit Mission 22, a nonprofit working to end veteran suicide by raising awareness and providing treatment for post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries and other challenges veterans face. Register in advance here: https://forms.gle/AKJGU6gMaa2AvFzw6
Parade – Saturday, July 26
The festival’s traditional parade, organized by the Goodridge Historical Society, will kick off at 11 a.m. and make its way through the center of town.
Food Trucks – Saturday, July 26
A tasty variety of food options will be available on Saturday. Smoke on Wheels BBQ, Bjerk Concessions, and Rae’s Café will all be set up in town, and the Goodridge Municipal Liquor Store will host a beer garden.
Vendors and Farmers Market – Saturday, July 26
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., vendors will line the park with homemade goods, crafts, local produce and more. You’ll even find the IRON BRUTUS Robotics and Drones team on site with displays and demonstrations of their latest inventions.
Still Accepting Vendors
Spots are still open for vendors, artists, and crafters from across the region. Setup begins at 8:30 a.m. and booths are expected to remain open until 4 p.m. Vendors must bring their own tables, tents, or canopies. Registration is $20 and can be mailed to Berny Vraa at 18767 370th Ave NE, Goodridge, MN 56725.
Veteran Quilt Presentations – Saturday Afternoon
Nine area veterans will be honored with handmade quilts from the Red White & Blue Quilters of Thief River Falls. This year’s recipients are:Alan (Bud) Homme, Royal Jorgenson, Timothy Kassa, Richard Manderud, Dustin Marquis, Gaylon Phelps, David Vigen, Earl Vraa, and Gary Vraa.
Featured Artists
Local favorites return to showcase their talents including watercolor artist Debbie Aune, iron artist Al Belleveau, caricature artist Trevour and balloon twister Jeffrey Salveson.
Activities for All Ages
The day is packed with fun for kids and adults alike. Some of this year’s activities include:
Quad bungee jump
Inflatable slide and bounce house
Kids metal welding
RJ Zavoral Gravel Money Dig
Oak Lake Golf Course putting game
Corn hole tournament
Balloon twisting and caricatures
Live Music
Live music will play throughout the day with main acts wrapping up around 5 p.m. Highlights include performances by John Vincent & The Hillbilly Boys and Tami Lee & The Northern Lights. Jordynn Johnsrud will sing the National Anthem and the Goodridge High School Band will also take the stage.
New This Year – Sunday Events
This year, Freedom Fest extends into Sunday with two special additions. A pancake breakfast will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Faith Church. A free-will offering will be collected to benefit the Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN. Then at 10 a.m., a Community Worship Service will take place at the Goodridge Veterans Memorial Park.
Thank You to These Sponsors
The 9th Annual Freedom Festival is made possible thanks to the support of:American Legion Post 117, Border Bank, Electronics Plus of TRF, Farmers Co-op Grain & Seed, Garden Valley Technologies, Goodridge Area Development, Goodridge Co-op Creamery, Goodridge Lions, Goodridge Muni, Highlanding 4-H, Nelson & Nelson Construction, Northern State Bank and Salo Signs & More.
