Mesa, AZ ~ Mesa, AZ - The 17th Annual Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom is set to take place on Saturday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Mesa. This highly anticipated Independence Day festival has become a staple event in the state and is not one to be missed. As a journalist, here are the top 10 reasons why you should make your way to downtown Mesa on the Fourth of July.

First and foremost, this year's Celebration of Freedom holds even more significance as it coincides with America's 250th birthday. To commemorate this milestone, there will be cupcakes and a group rendition of "Happy Birthday" because what's a birthday without cake and a song?

Of course, no Fourth of July celebration is complete without fireworks and the Celebration of Freedom does not disappoint. The spectacular fireworks show will light up the sky at 9:30 p.m., following the Salute to America program at 9:15 p.m.

One of the highlights of this year's event is a drone show sponsored by NTT Global Data Centers. Approximately 200 drones operated by Pulse Drones will form patriotic images in honor of America's 250th birthday.

The Celebration of Freedom is all about honoring everything that makes America great - including freedom and admission! Inside the air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center, visitors can explore the Hall of U.S. Flags featuring banners from all 50 states, learn about the history of U.S. flags, and pay respects at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial.

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Outside the convention center, there will be an even bigger Patriotic Military Showcase this year with over 25 vintage military vehicles on display including a 1942 GPW Jeep, a 1945 MB Willys, and a 1952 M38A1 Jeep. Visitors can also check out aircraft such as a T33 "T Bird" and an MD500 Little Bird helicopter. Recruiters from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps will be present and an Army enlistment ceremony will take place at the Mesa Amphitheater. The 108th U.S. Army Band will also perform before the ceremony.

The U.S. Coast Guard will also be represented at the event with a performance by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band at the Mesa Amphitheater starting at 8 p.m.

For those looking for some indoor entertainment, Phoenix Championship Wrestling is back and this year it's moving indoors at the Mesa Convention Center. Expect to see body slams, elbow drops, and larger-than-life personalities. The Let Freedom Ring Laser Light Show will kick off the night and return between wrestling matches throughout the evening.

Two outdoor events that are not to be missed are the BMX Patriotic Superhero Stunt Shows featuring incredible stunts and jumps by bikers, and the Great All-American Freedom Farm where visitors can see vintage and new tractors and farm equipment while learning about Arizona's agricultural roots.

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Staying hydrated is important in the Arizona heat, which is why there will be a free water bar hosted by Mesa Water Resources. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bottles to refill at any time, including at water fountains inside the convention center.

And finally, for those looking to cool off from the heat, there will be plenty of options available including an outdoor mist-chilled food court, Cool Zones with misting trailers and tents, and a Splash Zone with inflatable waterslides. Inside the air-conditioned convention center, visitors can also enjoy various patriotic displays.

But wait - there's more! Did we mention that everything at this event is free? Well, except for food and drinks (and yes, there will be beer). This year's Celebration of Freedom is a cashless event.

The Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom will take place at the Mesa Amphitheatre and Mesa Convention Center, located at 263 N. Center St., and along Center Street between First Street and University Drive. For more information, visit azcelebrationoffreedom.com.

This year's event is made possible by the support of the City of Mesa, Mesa Convention Center, Mesa Amphitheatre, Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Sertoma Club, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Visit Mesa, AT&T, American Leadership Academy, Benedictine University, Boeing, Delta Hotels, Downtown Mesa Association, Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa Recycles, Meta, NTT Global Data Centers, Semper Fi Heating and Cooling, United Food Bank and VCA Animal Hospitals.

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