BUNNELL, Fla. — Remembering Heroes invites the community to its First Annual Boots & Backpacks Community Roundup on Saturday, August 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 2K Ranch, 6067 Tangerine Ave., Bunnell. This free family event combines a back-to-school supply giveaway with food, music, dancing, and activities that bring neighbors together while benefiting local children and military families.

A featured attraction will be the inaugural Boots & Backpacks Chili Cook-Off, where local chefs will compete for championship titles in Sweet Chili, Mild Chili, and 5-Alarm Hot Chili divisions. Organizers are currently seeking additional chili cooks who would like to showcase their favorite recipes while supporting a great cause.

Throughout the afternoon, guests can enjoy:

  • Boots & Backpacks Chili Cook-Off

  • Country line dancing for all ages and skill levels

  • Free school supply giveaway for Flagler County students (ages 5–17), homeschool groups, and local teachers while supplies last

  • Kids Fun Zone with a bounce house, face painting, crafts, games, and more

  • Live music

  • Local vendors

  • Dessert trucks

  • Custom leatherwork

  • Raffles and a 50/50 drawing

  • Pet adoptions through the Flagler Humane Society

Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.

Community members are also encouraged to donate new school supplies—including backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, glue sticks, tissues, sanitizer, and other classroom essentials—to help local students begin the school year prepared for success.

“We wanted to create an event that feels like a celebration of community,” said Sharay “Amber Embers” Bartow, Managing Director of Remembering Heroes. “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 organization dedicated to honoring veterans, military families, Gold Star families, and community heroes through outreach, education, family support, and community partnerships. The organization’s mission is rooted in the belief that a hero’s legacy continues through service to others and investment in future generations. Learn more at www.rememberingvets.org.

Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Organizers are especially seeking children’s authors, educators, tutors, after-school programs, youth organizations, family service agencies, kid-friendly businesses, nonprofits, artisans, and other community organizations that support local families. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to participate, with sponsorships helping provide backpacks and school supplies to local children.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

For vendor applications, chili cook-off registration, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, contact Sharay “Amber Embers” Bartow at 904-878-3893 or RememberingHeroes01@gmail.com.

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