Punk Band, Country Line Dancers Play On Through Storm

Festival-goers flee the area using anything as cover they can find, while some to the opportunity to grab one last shish kabob. Below the Chesapeake Country Cruizers entertain those who stuck around. The Bay Net photos by Sean Rice

The dangerous thunderstorm looming all day on St. Mary’s County Tuesday finally erupted into a downpour just before sunset, causing organizers of the annual Freedom Festival to call an end to the festival early, and put off the fireworks show until 9 p.m. tonight.

The crowds went streaming toward their cars as the rain came down fast, but others took the opportunity to grab a last batch of funnel cakes or one more shish kabob.

In one of the recreation buildings, a teenage punk band, Death Among Heroes, continued to rock about as hard as it gets until long after the crowds were gone.

In an open air shelter, the Chesapeake Country Cruizers put on a square dancing show while crowds rushed under the cover to watch the show and get out of the rain.

Later, the Cruizers showed some of the steadfast and willing audience members how to two-step.