2025 Freedom Festival pin recognizes long-standing Provo tradition
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- From left, Bill Freeze, chairman over the Freedom Festival collectible pins; Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi; and Freedom Festival Executive Director Jim Evans pose for a photo at Provo City Hall on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
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- The collectible pins for the 2025 America’s Freedom Festival in Provo.
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- Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi poses with Freedom Festival pins from throughout the years on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
This year’s Central Bank Freedom Festival pin recognizes a staple in Provo and Utah Valley that dates back to the 19th century.
The 14th edition Freedom Festival pin honoring the Provo Grand Parade was unveiled Thursday when Jim Evans, the Freedom Festival executive director, and Bill Freeze, the freedom pin chair, presented the pin to Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi.
The grand parade, one of the largest of its kind in the Western United States, draws more than 300,000 people to Provo each year.
Thousands often camp out around University Avenue up to 24 hours in advance to get the best spot to see the Fourth of July parade.
The origins of the parade began in the late 1800s after the city was founded.
Evans said the event takes an entire year of planning and hundreds of volunteers to make it a memorable experience for spectators.
“It is our flagship event and offers not only our themes of patriotism, freedom and family, but it is also a tremendous boon to our city in terms of commerce and recognition,” he said.
Freeze said this year, attendees will see over 20 floats, 15 bands, trained horsemen, military equipment and police motorcycles as part of the parade.
The 14th edition pin honors past and present participants of the grand parade, including the young women, who have won local and city pageants in Utah County.
“Our Miss Provo this year is Charlee Sorensen and Miss Freedom Festival is Lilia Tavares. These young women were chosen based on poise, scholarship, service, talent and leadership,” Freeze noted. “We also offer thanks to Pageant Director Robyn Pulham and her 25 years of training young women to reach their goals. Finally, we recognize and thank Parade Chair, Terry Kenard, and his eight years of organizing and safeguarding this special event.”
Kaufusi said she and her family share a deep connection to the grand parade.
Growing up in Provo, she said the cherished annual event was a highlight for her family.
“It is our family’s favorite holiday; it trumps Christmas (and) all of them. The Fourth of July and Freedom Days and just the community celebration — it’s unmatched,” she told the Daily Herald. “If you ask all of my children what their favorite holiday is, it’s the Fourth of July, and that’s all because of our Freedom Days.”
America’s Freedom Festival events as a whole will include a total of 32 events occurring over the next several months, including a National Day of Prayer on Sunday evening at Provo Community United Christ Church.
That will be followed by Hope of America happening Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at BYU’s Marriott Center, where 3,000 fifth graders from Utah elementary schools will sing patriotic songs honoring veterans, pioneers and the country.
Musical trio Rascal Flatts will headline the 2025 Stadium of Fire on July 4 at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Tickets are still available online at freedomfestival.org.
This year’s pin comes in red, white and blue and was designed by Robison Fine Jewelry of Provo. Freedom pins are available at Central Bank locations and the Freedom Festival office while supplies last.
New Freedom Festival pins have been produced annually over 13 years with previous designs recognizing the U.S. military, the Provo Temple and educators.
