A look back at the history of
Morgan Hill Freedom Fest
A Morgan Hill Tradition since 1875!
A Home Town Celebration
Morgan Hill, with continuous July 4th celebrations since 1876 remains one of the very few cities in the entire Bay Area that continues to have all day events surrounding the 4th of July. Our events include Patriotic Sing, Downtown Family Street Dance, Freedom Run, Parade, Car Cruise n’ Show and spectacular Fireworks and entertainment show.
This celebration remains free of charge to our entire community, and we welcome everyone to come together on the birthday of our country. We are dependent on donations and sponsorships for 100% of our funding so please consider donating.
A look at our amazing past
Morgan Hill Bike Race and Parade
Circa early 1900’s
The Morgan Hill Freedom Fest has its roots in a bike race and a parade. Here's a great shot of our bike event from the early 1900s. They look like Pierce-Arrow shaft-drive bikes but does anyone know? Looks like a scene right out of Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid.
Morgan Hill Parade Procession and Bikes
Circa early 1900’s
Morgan Hill Band
Circa early 1903
Check out the Morgan Hill Band from 1903. Also interesting to see the various services provided by G.K. Estes who shows up in a 1908 - 1909 directory as a Morgan Hill attorney.
Morgan Hill Parade
Circa 1913
This is the Morgan Hill parade in 1913. That year, the NY Giants signed Jim Thorpe, the Federal income tax was signed into law, Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated as the 28th president, Henry Ford instituted the moving assembly line, Charlie Chaplin began his film career at Keystone for $150 a week, and the prize was inserted into a Cracker Jack box.
Morgan Hill Band
Circa 1913
Here's another photo from the Morgan Hill parade over 100 years ago in 1913!
Morgan Hill Car Cruise
Circa 1913
Here's a great photo of the cars in the Morgan Hill parade over 100 years ago in 1913! Check out all the ladies carrying parasols.
“The City of Morgan Hill has, for 145 consecutive years, been celebrating the 4th of July through a variety of events to bring the community together to celebrate the United State’s Independence Day.”