Free ‘Handshakes With Heroes’ Event To Return For Tenth Year
The tenth annual 'Handshakes With Heroes' event will take place on August 18th 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 last year and probably could have hung out even longer if we had time.
This year's event is slated to run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature K9 demos, SWAT vehicles, law enforcement displays, an air rescue helicopter, fire apparatus, inflatables for kids, free food and drinks and more.
LAST YEAR WAS A BLAST!
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.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: 10th Annual Handshakes With Heroes
WHERE: Benton County Fairgrounds
WHEN: Tuesday, August 18th
COST: FREE
175 Years of Benton County History
More From 96.7 The River
