Saturday event honors local heroes

As it has for many years now, the city of Radcliff will host an event Saturday to honor military personnel, their families and first responders in Hardin County.

“We honor everyone who has served or is serving,” said Jo Emary, Hooray for Heroes board of directors member.

Beginning at noon, live music, prizes, giveaways, food, games and other activities fill the agenda for Hooray for Heroes. The event begins in the adjoining parking lots between Stithton Baptist Church and Walmart Supercenter in Radcliff.

“It’s always on Armed Forces Day,” Emary said.

Originally, Hooray for Heroes operated by committee through Radcliff's chamber of commerce. Over the years, the event evolved.

“Now we’re a stand-alone board of directors,” Emary said, stressing that the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the event.

Military personnel and their families, past and present, as well as first responders, are treated to a free lunch and giveaways. Others are asked to pay for lunch at $5 per adult and $2 for children younger than 10.

The national anthem kicks off the event at noon, after which the serving line opens, Emary said.

Tents, balloons, children’s inflatables and food sizzling on grills all are part of the event.

Hooray for Heroes has grown over the years but always includes several activities and attractions.

Sponsors — national and local — have contributed to make the event a success, Emary said.

An estimated 2,000 visitors attended the first event, held six years ago. Last year — based on how much food was served — that figure was 2,500 to 3,000, Emary said.

Live music is part of the daytime schedule of events, which runs through 5 p.m.

Musical acts The Wulfe Brothers, Free Parking and an Elvis impersonator known as Elvis and His Pink Cadillac are scheduled to perform, Emary said.

During the daytime portion of the event, outdoor activities take center stage. Clowns, face painting and games have been part of the festivities in past years.

Beginning at 7 p.m. a patriotic program is offered inside Stithton Baptist Church.

“It’s just a really fun day,” she said.

Robert Villanueva can be reached at (270) 505-1743.