It was just two weeks ago their story first made its debut in the paper. That exact same week another story hit the news- another meth bust in Russell County.

"This is the exact reason we are doing this event," said Jason Lee, a recovered drug addict, and his wife, Genny, of Russell County.  "Seven meth arrests in one week; that averages one a day."

It's time that the Lake Cumberland area breaks free from this blanket of addiction that is destroying our families, Lee said.  

There will be such a day that the community can band together under one banner of Jesus Christ and fight back through prayer and support. Freedom Fest is Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Russell County Fairgrounds starting at noon and lasting until 4 p.m.

The day will begin with a victory march at 10 a.m. starting at 2nd Chance Outreach in Jamestown and ending at the fairgrounds with the kick off of the event.

All of the people walking in the march have been sponsored by someone.

Volunteers have also been doing street ministry for about six weeks now and taking donations.

The public and local churches have been very receptive and supportive with helping financially and there are so many out there that truly want to get help so that they can get off of drugs and alcohol, and even many more family members who are hurting from the effects of having a close relative who has been hooked on drugs, Lee said.

With the money they raise, they are going to help people who want help, he said.

Lee said by partnering with 2nd Chance Outreach and Partners In Prevention they will be offering individuals one month of treatment for every $1,000 they raise.

Their goal is to help at least 10 people through this event. One thing that is hard for people to realize is that for an addict who wants help it sometimes is very difficult to get into a treatment facility unless you have insurance or thousands of dollars and most drug addicts don't, Lee said.

Drug addiction is a very treatable condition that a lot of people just want to sweep under the rug and not talk about. Many times the addict along with the family can simply lose hope, he said.

"We are thankful that we have a wonderful resource like 2nd Chance Outreach in this community which offers Christ-centered curriculum to the clients, which can be a great foundation for any recovery. We encourage people to come out to the Fairgrounds on Sept 25th, which is this weekend, and get involved with this event," Lee said.

There will be information booths set up that day which include: Celebrate Recovery, Partners In Prevention, 2nd Chance Outreach,  Adanta, and Al-Anon to offer support for family members as well as outpatient support.

The event will feature some great local musicians such as Driven, Living Water, Matt Franklin, Billy Flatt and more,  with guest speaker Rev. Greg Troutt.

There will be activities such as a hayride, two huge inflatables, clowns, balloons, face painting, mini horses, corn hole and around 60 prizes to give-away from local businesses.

Food will be sold that day for only $1 per item. The menu will include hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, chips, drinks, cotton candy and snow cones.

 "We have hopes of making this a continuing annual event in Russell County because we know the reality of how bad the drug epidemic here is," Genny Lee said.

 If you would like to show your support by making a donation please make any checks payable to RSUMC and memo them for Freedom Fest.

You can turn money into the front office of the Russell Springs United Methodist Church or mail donations to: RSUMC, P.O. Box 291 Russell Springs, KY, 42642.

If you plan on attending the event that day there will be donation boxes set up at different locations within the event.

"At the end of the event when we get an approximate total of funds we will announce how many treatments will be available to anyone in the Lake Cumberland area. If there is anyone out there who wants and needs drug treatment you will be able to come forward for screening and receive one of the treatment vouchers to begin your recovery, that day."

Schedule of events are subject to change without notice and you must be present to win door prizes.

For more information call 270-585-1948 or 270-866-1252.