Lee: Sanford Celebrates July 4th with trolleys, fireworks, and reflections on freedom

The Domingues family set up under a cluster of willow oaks around 2:30 p.m., staking out shade ahead of Sanford’s second annual Freedom Fest. Around 2,000 people gathered at Kiwanis Family Park for food trucks, live music, and fireworks with many arriving via the Sandhills Trolley, contracted by the city to shuttle attendees from downtown.

Some families pulled wagons with coolers, trekking from Riverbirch Crossing. Some, like Adam Peoples from Cameron, ran into traffic redirection. “My wife called and said there were open spots,” he said, frustrated after walking from a half mile away.

At 5:30 p.m., Karina Rivera jumped from her lawn chair after hearing that cars parked at Parkview Retirement Village would be towed, despite police having directed her there earlier.

Still, spirits stayed high. Attendees reflected on the concept of freedom amid political tensions. “Freedom means women’s rights, no matter your race,” said Veronica Domingues.

The Oden family said it meant equality.

“Being able to go where you want and say what you want,” two Oden sisters said.

As night fell, glow sticks and fireflies blinked. Caroline Keller’s band wrapped their set before she stumbled on the opening lines of the national anthem.

“Let me try that again, y’all,” Keller said.

Cheers followed her final note as fireworks burst in the night sky behind her, dazzling the crowd with red, green, and purple explosions. 

Even as Keller lost the words, families stood together, observing the spectacle, a few still working out what freedom in America truly means.

6 July 2025

Diara J. Townes

Journalist