Heroes Homecoming, BBQ & Blues in two weeks

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Force Base Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Nearly 100 servicemembers who have recently returned from deployments and their family members will be honored during Heroes Homecoming Aug. 30 at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Outdoor Recreation facility.

Immediately following Heroes Homecoming, an end-of-summer festival will kick off, called BBQ and Blues, in the same location. The entire Hanscom community is invited to attend both events.

Jonathan Elias, WBZ-TV anchor and former 66th Air Base Group honorary commander, will serve as the master of ceremonies. Medal of Honor recipient, Navy Capt. Tom Hudner, will also be in attendance to officially welcome home the troops. The Boston Red Sox will bring the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies for display, as well.

This year, Heroes Homecoming begins a little differently with a parade that starts at the Minuteman Commons and travels down Barksdale Street to the ceremony location. The parade will include the honorees and their families riding in Duck Boats and an appearance by Clydesdale horses, New England Patriots cheerleaders, Patriot Riders and possible sports celebrities.

After the recognition ceremony, BBQ & Blues will feature live entertainment, line dancing, pony rides, a "fun zone," car show, clowns, jugglers and barbecue concessions.

Private organizations will be serving burgers, hot dogs, frozen yogurt, cotton candy, snow cones, root beer floats, ice cream, watermelons, popcorn and nachos. Other organizations will feature face painting, dunk tanks, jail and bail and more.

The event will conclude with a fireworks display, weather permitting.

In addition to activities on the festival grounds, there will be free swimming at the pool from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free bowling at Hanscom Lanes from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Anyone who has returned home from deployment since January and would like to participate in Heroes Homecoming should contact Bobby Jacques at 781-225-1333.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help during BBQ & Blues should contact Courtney Cann at 781-225-6122.