Hooray for Heroes is an annual, day-long event designed to express appreciation for active, reserve and veteran military, first responders and their families. Now in its 14th year, Hooray for Heroes has quickly become a well-attended event by military and non-military alike.

In an effort to say “thank you,” local businesses and civic groups set up booths with games and prizes for children, as well as small giveaways. Included among the many activities are face painting, clowns and balloons, as well as company mascots, which are seen roaming around and interacting (often dancing) with attendees throughout the day. – A complimentary lunch is provided for ALL active, reserve and veteran military members, first responders and their families. In addition, free entertainment is provided from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The key word for the day is “FREE.” Everything is FREE to our military honorees and their families. Booth participants clearly understand that no money is to change hands on the day of this event. We expect business and event attendees to make business connections on another day, but not this day.

Event organizers estimate about 3,000 people attend Hooray for Heroes each year.

Established in 2006 as the brainchild of community members Randy Acton and Will Stolz, Hooray for Heroes grew out of a small committee operating under the umbrella of the Radcliff Chamber of Commerce. The committee began to annually seek corporate and individual sponsorships to finance food and other items for the day. In 2010, a Board of Directors was officially installed and Hooray for Heroes became a 503(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.

The event would simply not be possible without the many volunteers who come out in full force each year to assist. These volunteers are vital to the success of the day.