6th Annual ‘Local Heroes Days’ This Weekend

The 6th Annual 'Local Heroes Days' event takes place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (August 20-22) at Universal Marine & RV in Rochester. Its purpose is to honor and recognize the 'local heroes' in our community who serve us every day. Local heroes include: veterans, law enforcement, fire fighters, educators, first responders, National Guard, highway patrol and active armed forces.

The event takes place each day from 10 am until 4 pm at Universal Marine & RV (2850 Hwy 14 West in Rochester). Kids who come to the event have an opportunity to see the police vehicles, military vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, etc. up close. If kids take a minute to talk to one of the officers in attendance in the law enforcement booth and meet one of the “Good Guys”, they get a free root beer float.

With the recent negative national media attention placed on our trusted servants, this is a way to show kids that these are the GOOD guys. Local American Legion, VFW, and Korean War vets association will come on Saturday Morning to do a color guard presentation. Many of the veterans in our community spend all three days at the event, socializing with the public and relaying their stories. Local recruiters have been in attendance, as well as our local reserve units. Each year they have brought armored vehicles for the community to see.

Local educators are a part of this event as well. They, many times in their careers, are impacting individuals in positive ways when their home environment my not be the best. Many of them are spending many hours of uncompensated work to help their community and their classes.

The local dive team will bring their search and rescue dog. The kids go and hide somewhere on the property and the dog runs to find them…it’s a blast. The local police department also does a dog demonstration for the kids. The first five years, The Mayo Clinic has brought their helicopter (Mayo One) for the kids to see. This event has truly become a community celebration.

Stop in for a minute, an hour or the whole day. Help us show our appreciation to our real local heroes!