Festival of Heroes honored those who serve

Wonderful weather welcomed attendees of the third annual Festival of Heroes, a fundraiser to celebrate and applaud all Ulster County first responders, veterans and military, last Saturday, Sept. 1 in Kerhonkson. This year they reminded community members that not all heroes wear a badge. Teachers have been placed under extra pressure due to many school shootings, so this year the Festival of Heroes honored all our school teachers for their dedication to our children.

The daylong event was packed with superheroes, games, raffles, dunk tanks, gift cards to win and lots more. Participants were encouraged to bring donations to their Stock the Station Program. Local heroes lack easy grab-and-go provisions like water and food to fuel their bodies while they’re flooded with emergency calls. The event, in its third year, has thus far raised nearly $40,000 to support local first-responder organizations. Event organizers estimate 1,000 people attended the Festival of Heroes, gathering to relax and enjoy friends and neighbors while honoring the real superheroes of Ulster County.