By TriSha Murphy
Palatka Daily News
tmurphy@palatkadailynews.com

A local church has gone above and beyond in its effort to thank veterans and first responders for their service to and sacrifices for their country and community. Hillcrest Baptist Church
in Palatka started Vets Freedom Fest nine years ago to honor veterans, active military servicemembers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders. This year’s event will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
April 25 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds, 118 Fairgrounds Road in East Palatka.

“This festival aims to honor military veterans by serving them a free barbecue dinner while bringing together groups who can offer information about opportunities for services and benefits to them,”
event coordinator Lee Schumacher said. “Last year, we served about 500 meals to veterans and their families.” The festival will also provide free meals for honorees’ immediate household members. Meals will include barbecue
beef and pork, cole slaw, baked beans, hot dogs, rolls, cupcakes and cookies.

Everyone who purchases a meal will receive a ticket for a drawing to chance to win one of an estimated 50 prizes, which include gift certificates from local restaurants, a grill, floral arrangements, car detailing and jewelry. Additional tickets cost $2 each or $5 for six.

Admission is free, but meals for the public are $8 each, $4 for ages 13-18 and free for kids under age 12. The Dreamland Squadron based in Green Cove Springs will perform a flyover at noon. Other highlights include live
music from the Community Band, games, a bounce house, popcorn, balloon animals, helium balloons, face painting and a car show with the Azalea City Cruisers.

A variety of vendors will provide information to the honorees about programs for which they may be eligible. At least 35 vendors are scheduled to be at the event. “We want our veterans and other honorees to know we
acknowledge their sacrifices and their service and we appreciate them,” Schumacher said. “Anything over and above our expenses goes to programs for veterans.”

Donations can be mailed to
Hillcrest Baptist Church,
2009 President St., Palatka, FL 32177,
and should be marked “Vets Freedom Fest.”
Donations can also be made at
vetsfreedomfest.org
or by emailing info@vetsfreedomfest.org
Gift items for the drawings are also needed. To donate, call Schumacher at 386-546-9126.

The idea for Vets Freedom Fest came after he heard of a similar event in Virginia, Schumacher said. He joined forces with Pastor Willie McKinnon Jr. at Hillcrest Baptist to turn the idea into a reality.
“We want those being honored to know that the community is there for them,” he said. “We encourage the general public to come out and support our efforts as we thank them for what they have done for us.”

Schumacher believes veterans and first responders deserve the recognition. “Without their sacrifice, we wouldn’t be where we are now,” he said.