FREEDOM BLAST 2025: Ten Years Hosting, and It Still Hits Me Right in the Feels

Well, well, well, that’s ten Freedom Blasts for me. TEN. That’s a full decade of standing on that stage, mic in hand, sweat on my brow, and pride in my heart. And if you're wondering what that kind of consistency means? It means I really love this event.

Greer Freedom Blast 2025 went off on June 28th like a Roman candle in July, loud, bright, and full of heart. This year was the 16th annual celebration and let me tell you, it felt like the biggest one yet. Folks from all over the Upstate descended on Greer City Park like it was the Fourth of July (okay, I know it wasn’t July 4, but you get the vibe).

We had to change up our usual layout a bit, construction in downtown Greer meant our regular setup wasn’t available. But we weren’t about to let a few orange cones stop the party. We relocated the fireworks launch to the top of the Jason Street parking garage. And honestly? I’m not mad about it. The view was epic.

One of the most powerful parts of the night was the MSG Preston B. Johnson Veterans Walk, a tribute parade where current service members and veterans walked across the green, straight up to the front of the stage, to receive a community salute. I don’t care how many times I see it, that moment gets me every time.

We honored every branch: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and yes, Space Force (the newest kids on the block).

Special shoutout to the 20th Force Support Squadron from Shaw Air Force Base. These folks showed up and showed out, they really added that official energy to the celebration. And I gotta say, having that presence on site reminds us what this day is all about.

Now if you know anything about Freedom Blast, you know we get down with the Texas Roadhouse Rib-Eating Contest. It's not just messy, it’s glorious! Military members and veterans took on full racks in just two minutes. Watching them devour those ribs was both impressive and... kinda terrifying. Respect.

Live music this year came from The Back 9 Band out of Spartanburg, and they brought all the hits, Motown, pop, beach, Bruno Mars. They had the park dancing, toddlers to grandmas.

And then, BOOM, fireworks! Launched from the top of that garage, it felt like the stars were close enough to grab. Cue patriotic soundtrack. Cue goosebumps.

We also had a beautiful tribute to Army Sgt. R. Rodgers, who died on June 28, 2013. The Fast Track skydiving team soared into the park in his honor. Can you imagine? You’re chilling with a funnel cake and then bam, skydivers are landing next to the concert stage. Only at Freedom Blast.

There was also a moving presentation led by Alicia Taylor from the Joyce Scott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She honored two outstanding service members with Freedom Lanterns.

Charlie Tapp, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, including time in Siberia with Polar Bear Unit 31st Infantry and on the front lines in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, and Oni Maxey, who’s been serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves since 2018 as part of the Civil Engineering Corps with the Seabees in the Middle East.

It was a heartfelt moment of honor and gratitude, and the crowd knew they were witnessing something special.

Greer’s own Mayor Rick Danner welcomed everyone with his usual charm, gave thanks to our armed forces, and yes, I got a picture of him with my boys. Might frame it. Might run for office. (Kidding.)

Look, I’ve hosted a lot of events in a lot of places, but Freedom Blast in Greer has a piece of my heart. It’s not just the fireworks, or the music, or the BBQ. It’s the people. It’s the stories. It’s the pride we all feel in honoring the men and women who make it possible for us to celebrate like this.

Freedom. Community. Fireworks. Repeat.

Thanks again for having me, Greer. Let’s do it again next year.