ST. GEORGE —The 2024 headliner for the 99.9 KONY Country Fourth of July celebration has been released. But wait. It’s not one performer this year. It’s three. 

“We really want this year, as soon as we open the gates until the last firework is fired in the sky, to entertain the crowd in a way that we’ve never done,” Ben Lindquist, general manager of both Canyon Media and St. George News, said. “And also have them leaving recharged and reinvigorated and feeling that America really is a special place.”

If three performers aren’t enough to be excited about, ticket prices are. This year’s tickets are nearly half the cost of last year, enabling entire families to enjoy the festivities together without breaking the bank. General admission tickets start at just $25 out the door with no hidden fees, taxes or other unexpected expenses.

Lindquist made the 2024 headliner announcement at a press conference on Wednesday morning at the Clyde Lounge –  a 2,500-square-foot VIP space at Utah Tech University’s Greater Zion Stadium. He emphasized that the event’s main objective is to celebrate patriotism, with a central focus on the flag, the nation and honoring the armed forces.

With every successive Fourth of July event, the aim is to surpass previous standards and deliver an even more spectacular experience, he said. By featuring three performers, they’re doing just that.

The fun will kick off on Tuesday, July 4, at 5:30 p.m. as viral social media sensation DJ Eric Rhodes takes the stage, spinning a blend of energetic hits. With 1.4 million followers on TikTok and nearly 1 million on Instagram, he’s become an internet sensation. Lindquist revealed that Rhodes is gearing up for an unforgettable performance at Southern Utah’s Largest Fireworks Show, set to ignite at 10 p.m. His skillful fusion of diverse music genres is sure to captivate the crowd, solidifying his status as one of the hottest DJs in the industry.

The inaugural country artist to take the stage is Ashley McBryde, a Grammy Award winner and six-time nominee. Nominated for the 2024 Country Music Awards Female Artist of the Year, McBryde’s accolades include a CMA award, three ACM awards and a notable Emmy nomination. She achieved the ultimate pinnacle in her career when Garth Brooks invited her to join the esteemed Grand Ole Opry.

Up next will be a distinguished individual who has served in the U.S. Army as a forward observer and continues to contribute as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. Alongside his dedicated military service, he boasts an impressive musical career, with 17 appearances on the Billboard Country Music charts, including seven top 10 hits, one of which reached No. 1.

“We wanted to find an artist that was a patriot,” Lindquist said. “And to me, our next performer is a true patriot. I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that we’re going to have a patriot, a true American hero, Craig Morgan.”

Morgan will take the stage with hits like “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and “Redneck Yacht Club.”

St. George Mayor Michele Randall joined the festivities and expressed her delight in witnessing the strong sense of patriotism displayed by the community during the Fourth of July parade, the 4K run, the Town Square activities and various other events. She shared her anticipation for the artist lineup and expressed particular excitement for Morgan’s upcoming performance.

“I’m a country music girl at heart and I have a playlist of just Craig Morgan on my phone,” Randall said. “One of his songs, ‘Almost Home’, about a veteran is just, I mean, it gets you in the heart.”

She appreciates the upcoming event’s affordability and family-oriented atmosphere and believes the Fourth of July celebration is one of the county’s premier events each year.

“Our country is divided in a lot of areas, but not here,” Washington County Commissioner Victor Iverson said during the press conference. “We come together. We celebrate America. We celebrate those things that bring us together.”

Dennis Leavitt, CEO of United We Pledge, outlined the group’s mission to empower the next generation in upholding the values of freedom that unite the community. Liberty Week is designed to achieve this goal through a series of events spanning the county. By collaborating with individuals and companies who share their vision, they aim to preserve America’s narrative and instill a profound love for the country in the hearts of young people.

Once again this year, the highly anticipated annual large American flag presentation will return, promising to be even more extensive than ever before, according to Leavitt. Additionally, there are rumors of a special flyover scheduled to occur, with further details slated for release at a later time.

Brooke Ulrich, digital media coordinator at Utah Tech University, expressed the school’s immense joy in welcoming thousands of “best friends” to their campus. They eagerly anticipate continuing their partnership and contributing to the Fourth of July festivities. She also said that in collaboration with the Heritage Choir and Southwest Symphony, a renovation of the Cox Performing Arts Center will begin in May, introducing a new facility that could potentially attract a diverse range of artists.

Lindquist concluded the conference with heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated and diligent individuals who made the event possible. Thanks to the sponsors, the event comes to fruition and brings in renowned artists for the community to enjoy in their own backyard. 

Sponsors include Intermountain Health, United We Pledge, Cache Valley Bank, Litehouse Inc, Ken Garff St. George Ford, Lifetime Store, SkyWest Airlines, RAM Aviation, Space & Defense, Black Desert Resort, Big O Tires, DR Horton Homes, Stout Roofing and 99.9 KONY Country.

“I really think that we live and work in one of the best places in America,” Lindquist said. “So the Fourth of July is really a special time for me because we get to remember that.”

Exclusive pre-sale tickets will be accessible starting May 9 by tuning in to KONY Country for a special code to secure early bird tickets. General tickets will go on sale to the public on May 10 through Utah Tech ticketing. For more information on the 99.9 KONY Country Fourth of July Celebration, visit the event website.

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