The Southwest Florida’s Hero Fest, formerly known as the Lehigh Spring Festival, kicks-off on Thursday, Feb. 6.
The new festival will run for a shorter period of time than in previous years, ending on Sunday, Feb. 9. This year’s event is at 225 Joel Blvd., Lehigh Acres, and offers free admission and parking.
SWFL Hero Fest was created as a community event that’s dedicated to thanking all the heroes that make our community great from first responders to the veterans and individuals who have given so much to defend our country.
Thursday, Feb. 6, the Hero Fest will kick-off with an opening ceremony that includes a Color Guard presentation, opening prayer and a brief introduction by festival committee members.
According to Cheryl Dutka, vice president of Southwest Florida’s Hero Fest, the community’s response has been good so far.
“This year we have some great carnival rides, many of last year’s food truck favorites are exhibiting again and our popular bands and dance performances. We’ve also added a few new contests, bands and food vendors this year,” Dutka said.
In addition to the festival’s annual car show, a Cruise-in for Heros will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“The cruise-in is open to anyone who would like to participate, no sign-up or entry required. It’s for all years, makes and models,” Dutka explained.
This year’s festival will be held on Joel Blvd., in a parking lot directly in front of the Lehigh Acres Resort Club.
“Due to the heavy construction and traffic on Homestead Boulevard, we moved this year’s festival from Veterans Park to the new Joel Boulevard location. Unfortunately, we will not be holding the annual parade as well,” Dutka said.
This year’s festival will offer daily entertainment for the entire family with live music and stage shows, carnival rides, food trucks and food vendors, a beer garden, local arts & craft vendors, a car show, and special presentations for local veterans, military personnel, and first responders.
According to Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Chief Robert DiLallo, the fire district will have a presence during the festival.
“We are looking forward to being part of the community event. We will have one of our fire engines/trucks on-site during the festival,” DiLallo said.
Even though the name has changed, many of the original Spring Festival’s favorite attractions are back again this year.
“We are happy to have back Commodore Cutter’s Tent, Nick’s Kid Show, a chili cook-off, a pet show, and a BBQ cook-off. We also have some great local bands and dance performances by Footnotes Dance & Music Studio and Susan Katz Dance Studio,” Dutka said.
All proceeds raised from the Hero Festival will go back into the communities where it is needed most and local veteran and military organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, Southwest Florida Hero Project and the Southwest Florida Military Museum.
Contests days/times include:
– Chili Cook-Off on Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
– Pet Show on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
– Kid’s Pirate Costume Contest on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
– BBQ Cook-Off on Feb. 8 starting at 3 p.m.
A complete events calendar for the SWFL Hero Fest will be out on Jan. 29, 2020.
Hours of operation:
– Thursday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
– Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Four day wrist bans can be purchased for $60. 1 day wrist bands are $25.
Admission and parking are free.
For more information on SWFL Hero Fest visit SWFLherofest.com or email Cheryl Dutka at swflherofest@gmail.com
Early wrist bands may also be purchased.