The third annual Homestead Military Appreciation Day promises to be even bigger than previous years with dozens of military vehicles and weaponry not often accessible to the public, honoring ceremonies to returning troops and military men and women, and plenty of family fun to go around with live music, food trucks, and bounce houses. The free event will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 3 to 8 pm at Losner Park in Historic Downtown Homestead (104 North Krome Avenue).
Dozens of food trucks and vendors will be situated along the picturesque streets of Historic Downtown Homestead where a variety of military vehicles including boats and aircrafts, weaponry and other interactive displays will be available to the public. Attendees will also enjoy a variety of live music performances, a dramatic flyover by a Blackhawk helicopter during the opening ceremonies a K-9 demonstration by the Homestead Police Department, a children’s area, and all sorts of other attractions. An exhibit of student art and essays on what freedom or honoring service means will also be on display. The day will bring together civilian families, service men and women from all branches of our military and people of all ages to Losner Park in a day that promises to be spectacular.
Military ID holders will receive free vouchers to redeem for food at the event, and this year, a total of $1,200.00 in cash prizes will be given away during the raffle drawing. A free raffle ticket will be given to each military man and woman wearing their military uniform. The top prize is $700.00 cash with lesser cash prizes also awarded.
"This is one of the most widely-attended events in our city and it’s easy to see why. Those of us that live here in Homestead are fortunate to have military men and women as part of our community. Military Appreciation Day is the City of Homestead’s way of saying “Thank You” to these good people for all that they do,” said Vice-Mayor Stephen Shelley who is spearheading the event. “Providing a means where civilians can have fun while getting an in-depth understanding of the hard work our military puts in to ensure our country’s safety is something we are proud to organize every year.”
The Military Affairs Committee will be offering a $10 food voucher to active Military, reserve and veterans with a valid Military ID during the May 17 event. The vouchers can be redeemed at the festival’s food trucks and various restaurants and retailers in the area. Additionally, at the Military Affairs Committee tent, military personnel wearing their Military uniform will be entered for free into a raffle for up to $1000 in cash and prizes sponsored by Homestead’s Value Place. Winners will be announced at the event.
The event is a community effort organized by the City of Homestead along with the Homestead Reserve Air Base, the Military Affairs Committee, the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce, and Homestead Main Street.