Honor heroes during upcoming homecoming celebration; New end-of-summer festival immediately follows

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Force Base Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The entire Hanscom community will have a chance to say thanks to approximately 80 servicemembers who have returned home from deployment since January, along with their families, as part of Heroes Homecoming Aug. 30 at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Outdoor Recreation facility.

At the conclusion of Heroes Homecoming, a new town festival-like event, BBQ and Blues, will begin in the same location.

This year's Heroes Homecoming will begin 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.

Jonathan Elias, WBZ-TV anchor and former 66th Air Base Group honorary commander, will serve as the master of ceremonies. In addition, the Boston Red Sox will bring the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies for display.

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

Organizations also have an opportunity to fundraise during BBQ & Blues. Private organizations may open food concessions or offer games and activities in which attendees can participate.

Private organizations may contact Kevin Kaminski via email at kevin.kaminski@hanscom.af.mil for further information about the opportunities.

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.