The Exchange Club of Beaver Dam in partnership with Joe Cantafio is sponsoring the fifth annual American Hero Music Festival. The festival honors all American heroes including firefighters, EMS, police, first responders, Gold Star families, veterans, active military, and MIAs and POWs.
A parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, travels from downtown Beaver Dam to Swan City Park from S. Spring St., to Park Avenue, to University Avenue, to Swan City Park. The parade is an honorary salute to those who lay down their lives to save us every day. The parade includes color guards, veterans, military displays, active military, police, firefighters, floats, and motorcycles and horses.
A flyover will occur at approximately 11:15.
An opening ceremony follows on Saturday at the Band Shell in Swan City Park. The event begins at 12:30 with the presentation of colors, playing of Taps, a 2l-gun salute, the singing of the National Anthem, a salute to K9 officers, a speech by Parade Grand Marshall CW3 Jenice Henderson, and a flag folding ceremony.
Free music—there is no cover charge—begins at 6 p.m. on Friday evening with Highfield Drive followed at 7:30 by Main Street Wisdom featuring Colleen Wild. The music on Saturday begins at 1 p.m. with Elwood Lee Band followed by the Crystal Waters Band and Alexis.
Major General Donald P. Dunbar, Wisconsin National Guard, who is the Adjutant General of Wisconsin, will give the keynote address at 6:30 at the Band Shell on Saturday evening.
Joe Cantafio and the 101st Rock Division Band (the band that rocked Iraq) will round out the musical performances on Saturday evening beginning at 7:30.
Food and refreshments are on the grounds as well as children’s games and activities.
