Families Connect With Local Heroes At Handshakes With Heroes Tuesday In Sauk Rapids

The ninth annual 'Handshakes With Heroes' event took place Tuesday night at the Benton County Fairgrounds, giving families a (free) chance to interact with local superheroes like police officers, soldiers, firefighters and more.

My family of four spent over two hours at the event and probably could have hung out even longer if we had time.

Right when we walked into the fairgrounds, folks from RJ Stables in Sauk Rapids offered us a horse-drawn wagon ride! Sure, my two-year-old was terrified at first but he LOVED the ride once the horses started clomping!

HORSES, GALLOPING IN MY MIND

GET TO THE CHOPPA! 

Next up we checked out the helicopters. There was a military helicopter and one from the Minnesota State Patrol, the latter of which we got to see take off!

MONSTER TRUCKS ARE BIG, MONSTER TRUCKS ARE LOUD

Suddenly, my two-year-old sprinted across the fairgrounds toward.. a monster truck! Always a hit, he particularly loved the dinosaur design on this one.

BOUNCE, BOUNCE 

We were treated to a free hot dog, chips and pop dinner by the Lion's Club before checking out the bounce houses (which, in hindsight seems like the incorrect order).

In the end, it was a wonderful night that gave families a (free) night out and a chance for my kids to meet - and thank - the real-life superheroes right here in our own backyard.