GARDINER — Military music, police dog demonstrations and helicopters — including an Army Apache gunship — are only some of the attractions planned at the Unity of Effort patriotic celebration Saturday.
Gates will open at
11 a.m. for the celebration, which will continue until 6 p.m.
Hosted by Security Services Northwest at its Fort Discovery compound on Old Gardiner Road, it is dedicated to law enforcement and first responders — “those who protect our way of life,” said Joe D’Amico, owner of Security Services Northwest.
D’Amico hopes to see between 500 and 1,000 people at the event, which is open to the public, with a special invitation to law enforcement/first-responders and their families, as well as members of the military and their families.
The theme is Unity of Effort.
“We’re here to support local, state and federal organizations — and private organizations — who all help in protecting our community and nation,” D’Amico said.
A $10 donation per adult for members of the general public is suggested, while children 17 and younger will be admitted free. Money will go to the Special Operation Warrior Foundation.
This year’s guest speaker is Lt. Col. Carlin of the Marine Corps, who is charged with providing security for the Bangor submarine installation, the only active Marine Corps installation in the state.
The 56th Army Band will perform; there will be tours of first-responder equipment and helicopters; and Maj. Dan Chow, Army chaplain, will be a special guest.
A highlight will be the landing of an Army 16th Cavalry Apache gunship from Joint Base Joint Base Lewis-McChord at 11:30 a.m.
Exhibitors will include personnel from the sheriff’s offices in Jefferson, Clallam and Kitsap counties, as well as fire districts in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
Also on hand will be police dogs from the Port Angeles Police Department and the Army 51st Military Police.
Exhibitors are scheduled from the State Patrol, Olympic National Park law enforcement, Washington State Parks law enforcement, the Air Force, the Marine Corps Security Forces Bangor, Washington Must Wanted Q13-TV, the Border Patrol, Loomis Armored, FLIR, SOG Knives, Top Notch Tactical and Security Services NW.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Arts and crafts will be available for children, and the “famous straw toy find will also be held,” D’Amico said.
Parking is limited at Fort Discovery. Guests traveling from Clallam County are asked to use the shuttle bus services provided free by 7 Cedars Casino from the casino’s southern parking lot on U.S. Highway 101 at Blyn.
Bus service will leave at the bottom of each hour, with return trips at the top of each hour. The first bus will leave at 10:30 a.m.
RSVPs are requested but are not essential. To RSVP, contact Jen Scott at jen@SSNWHQ.com.