Armed Forces Appreciation Day is Saturday at fairgrounds

FORT WALTON BEACH — Everyone will find something to enjoy Saturday during Armed Forces Appreciation Day.

The celebration of local armed forces and the diverse community will take place 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at the Northwest Florida “Bull” Rigdon Fairgrounds on Lewis Turner Boulevard.

There is a full day of entertainment, food, and fun – with free children’s activities (including a water slide), military static and historic displays, along with the “Hall of Heroes.” For many, the highlight of the day will be the live performances included with admission.

The entertainment theme is “American Idols for Our American Heroes.” Headliner Taylor Hicks, Alabama native and soul singer and 2005 American Idol winner, will perform on the main stage at 8 p.m.

Kimberley Locke, an “American Idol” finalist in 2003, will perform at 6 p.m. There will also be a performance at 4 p.m. by 1964 The Tribute, a top Beatles show.

Rounding out the entertainment will be a performance at 2 p.m. by the Full Spectrum Jazz Ensemble from the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Fans should bring a lawn chair to enjoy the performances in comfort; bleacher seating will be available. No coolers will be allowed.

All events are open to the public, and complimentary admission will be offered to all active and retired military and their dependents (must present military ID for complimentary admission).

Tickets for the general public are $5 per person in advance. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Fort Walton Beach Chamber, 34 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E. and at all offices of Eglin Federal Credit Union.

Tickets purchased at the venue on Saturday, will be $10 per person (under age 18, free admission).

In the air-conditioned “Hall of Heroes,” attendees will have the rare opportunity to meet many of the real-life heroes depicted in the HBO epic mini-series “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific” as well as veterans of other historic conflicts. These veterans will be available to meet and greet, and to sign books about their experiences. For a complete list of the veterans scheduled to attend, visit the website fwbchamber.com/brothers. Many local military heroes will also be featured.

There will be a cultural component of the day’s activities as well, with exhibits focusing on the contributions and accomplishments of diverse cultures that have long associations with the military. These will include: African-American, Asian, Caribbean, German, Hispanic, and Native American. Escape from the heat as you learn about these cultures’ unique contributions, sample some of their cuisine, and enjoy the cultural entertainment presented on Stage 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsors of the day’s activities include the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Okaloosa County Tourism Development Council, the Northwest Florida Daily News, InDyne, Inc., Boeing, and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

For more information, contact the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce at 850-244-8191.