A local nonprofit is inviting the community to a free family event next month that combines a back-to-school supply giveaway with food, music, and a chili cook-off.
Remembering Heroes will host its First Annual Boots & Backpacks Community Roundup on Saturday, August 8, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 2K Ranch, located at 6067 Tangerine Ave. in Bunnell. The event is free and open to everyone.
What’s Planned
The event will feature the inaugural Boots & Backpacks Chili Cook-Off, where local chefs will compete in Sweet Chili, Mild Chili, and 5-Alarm Hot Chili divisions. Organizers are still looking for additional chili cooks who want to enter the competition.
Other activities planned for the afternoon include:
- Country line dancing for all ages and skill levels
- A free school supply giveaway for Flagler County students ages 5 to 17, homeschool groups, and local teachers, while supplies last
- A Kids Fun Zone with a bounce house, face painting, crafts, and games
- Live music
- Local vendors and dessert trucks
- Custom leatherwork
- Raffles and a 50/50 drawing
- Pet adoptions through the Flagler Humane Society
Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome at the event.
How to Help
Organizers are asking community members to donate new school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, glue sticks, tissues, and hand sanitizer, to help local students start the school year prepared.
Sharay “Amber Embers” Bartow, Managing Director of Remembering Heroes, described the goal behind the event. “We wanted to create an event that feels like a celebration of community,” Bartow said. “Whether you’re dancing, competing in the chili cook-off, adopting a pet, or helping fill a backpack for a local student, every person who attends helps write the next chapter in a hero’s legacy.”
Remembering Heroes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on honoring veterans, military families, Gold Star families, and community heroes through outreach, education, and family support. More information about the organization is available at www.rememberingvets.org.
Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are still open. Organizers say they are especially interested in hearing from children’s authors, educators, tutors, after-school programs, youth organizations, family service agencies, and other businesses or nonprofits that support local families. Sponsorships help provide backpacks and school supplies to children in the community.
Those interested in vendor applications, chili cook-off registration, sponsorships, or additional information can contact Sharay “Amber Embers” Bartow at 904-878-3893 or RememberingHeroes01@gmail.com.
