Freedom & Family event taking shape
The Invest in America’s Veterans Foundation, which runs the Southwest Florida Military Museum in downtown Cape Coral, has got quite a show lined up for its Freedom & Family Weekend at Jet Blue Park Sept. 27 and 28.
Ten acts are scheduled to perform that weekend, and there will also be reenactments of classic battles, JROTC competitions and so much more.
“We hope it’s something that’s going to be talked about for the next year until we do the next one,” said Ralph Santillo, founder and president of Invest in America.
Seven bands will hit the stage on Saturday, led by former Bad Company vocalist Brian Howe and Grayson Rogers, a hot new country act that recently placed a song, “Party Rocker,” on the country charts.
Also on stage will be Southern Rocks Finest; local country act One Night Rodeo; Redemption, which plays classic rock; Maggie Baugh, a teenaged country singer; and Ellie Lee & the Blues Fury.
While that’s going on there will be a classic car show and a “Born to Ride” custom bike show and TV taping
Sunday will feature Casey Weston, a Naples resident and finalist on “The Voice,” along with two country acts, Kim Betts & the Gamble Creek Band, and Critter Ridge.
“We tried to get performers with a little background that would help draw in their own crowd,” Santillo said. “But we have a whole lot more going on, too. We’re trying to get a little something for everybody.”
Both days there will be motorcycle rally, military vehicles, battle reenactments from the Civil War and Vietnam, JROTC and recruit competitions, military museum displays and many fun events for the kids, such as a meet and greet with area veterans to teach them about service and sacrifice.
Santillo said they are looking for more vendors and volunteers. There are about 10 vendor openings and they only have half of the 150 volunteers needed to put the event on.
“Come on in. We need you. This is the biggest thing we’ve ever tried. It’s a little scary. Much of what we do is in house, so it’s the first time we’ve stepped out,” Santillo said. “All the money stays with the local veterans.”
Admission on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. will be $10 with a $5 donation for parking. Show cars will be $15 and show bikes $10.
On Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tickets are $7.
For information on becoming a sponsor, volunteer or vendor, visit the Website at www.freedomandfamilyweekend.com.