Homestead honors the military with Fourth Annual Military Appreciation Day

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HOMESTEAD, Fla. --  The Fourth Annual Homestead Military Appreciation Day promises to be better than ever with dozens of military vehicles and weaponry not often accessible to the public, an epic obstacle course competition, ceremonies to honor our service men and women, and plenty of fun for the whole family with live music and food trucks.

The free event will take place on Saturday, May 30 from 3 P.M. to 8 P.M., at Losner Park in Downtown Homestead (104 North Krome Avenue).  

Dozens of food trucks and vendors will be situated along the picturesque streets of downtown Homestead where a variety of military vehicles including boats, weaponry, and other interactive displays will be available to the public.

Attendees will also enjoy a variety of live music and performances; a dramatic flyover by a team of F-16 Fighting Falcons during the opening ceremonies; a K-9 demonstration by the Homestead Police Department; and a children's area with games and activities. An exhibit of student art and essays on what freedom or honoring service means to them will also be on display.

The day will bring together civilian families, service men and women from all branches of our military, and patriots of all ages to Losner Park in a day that promises to be spectacular. 

The real draw for this year's event is an obstacle course designed to showcase the strength of our military. The course, designed and sponsored by BattleFrog, will consist of five obstacles that test strength and endurance.

First, each team will pull a Humvee over 50 feet. Then, scale an eight foot wall and immediately complete a "Jerry Can" carry over a balance beam followed by a window jump. The course must then be completed in reverse order.

You might think it's over ... but the team will complete 100 pushups as the crowd cheers!  After the competition, spectators who think they have what it takes will be able to give the course a try.

At the event, the South Dade Military Affairs Committee will be offering a $10 food voucher to active duty military, Reserve, National Guard, and veterans with a valid Military ID. The vouchers can be redeemed at the festival's food trucks and various restaurants and retailers in the area.

The event is a community effort organized by the City of Homestead along with the Homestead Air Reserve Base, the South Dade Military Affairs Committee, the South Dade Chamber of Commerce, and Homestead Main Street. 

For more information, visit: www.cityofhomestead.com/military