CADIZ — Dirk Harkins, veteran and American Legion Post 525 Commander, will host the third annual Veterans/First Responders Jamboree on Sept. 9 at Wallace Lodge in Sally Buffalo Park. The event starts at 8 a.m.

“This is the most patriotic event in the state,” Harkins said.

The event will feature a parade, food, music and games.

“We just want to bring awareness, and it’s a really good time,” Harkins said.

Harkins said the event grows every year.

“It was pretty neat the first two years. We had good turnouts, and we got to help a lot of people who were struggling,” Harkins said.

Funds raised will support veterans and first responders, and scholarships will be given out to students who are pursuing a career as a first responder.

The event will kick off with a free breakfast for all veterans and first responders. Harkins said that this year’s breakfast will be prepared by American Legion Post 525.

“You won’t want to miss that. They make a heck of a breakfast,” he said.

Those who wish to enter the 5K race and the “swole sprint” can register from 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Harkins explained that participants in the one-mile “swole sprint” event could take time off of their mile time by bench pressing their body weight before the race starts.

Opening ceremonies will start at 9 a.m. and include prayer, a moment of silence, a 21-gun salute, “Taps” played on bagpipes and ringing a bell to honor all veterans and first responders.

The 5K race and “swole sprint” will start after the opening ceremonies around 9:10 a.m., and a car and bike cruise-in will start at 10 a.m.

The annual parade will take place at 11 a.m. featuring police cars and firetrucks.

Harkins said that he added a new event to this year’s Veterans/First Responders Jamboree called Fireman’s Wars which starts at noon. Local firefighters will compete in several events including a water battle.

A cornhole tournament will take place starting at 1 p.m.

Harkins said that several bands and musicians will be playing at the event. Bill and Bill will be performing from 1-2 p.m., Blue Diggity Bluegrass will perform from 2:30-4 p.m., The Gypsy Cowboys will perform from 4:30-6 p.m., Daniel Welsh will perform from 6:30-8 p.m. and Blue Fang will perform from 8-9 p.m.

Harkins said that two Black Hawk helicopters will be at the event.

“You get to talk to the pilots, and you can sit in it. The kids always love it. For the past two years, we’ve only had one, but it was so popular that we got a second one for this year,” he said.

The event will also have a Medevac helicopter on display, Harkins also said that horses from a local Mustang ranch will be at the event.

Military recruiters from both Ohio and West Virginia will be at the event to provide information. Guest speakers will also honor all veterans and first responders.

Harkins said that the event will also have 50/50 drawings, vendors and chicken dinners for attendees to enjoy.

“I’m just thankful to be a part of this event. We live in small-town America with big-town patriotism,” Harkins said.

Sally Buffalo Park is located at 43000 Industrial Park Road in Cadiz.

For more information about the event, contact Harkins at 740-491-7125.