People poured into The Wharf Oct. 9 to enjoy the beautiful weather and the inaugural Freedom Fest. The one-day event featured live music, over 80 artists covering a variety of mediums and crafts, food, a kids’ zone and the annual Singing for Scholarships competition.

Freedom Fest is Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon’s response to the cancellation of the Annual National Shrimp Festival. The event was planned to give vendors and visitors a place to visit while in town the second weekend in October.

Artist Sharon Piercy said she was not scheduled to exhibit at the Annual National Shrimp Festival but when she heard about Freedom Fest, she contacted Jeanne Fitzgibbons to see if she could participate.

“This tent was full this morning and I am nearly sold out. I am scheduled to be at the Jubilee Festival of Arts next weekend and I am worried I won’t have anything left. It’s a good problem to have,” Piercy said.

Kennon said he plans to make Freedom Fest an annual event.