Veterans Music Festival Set to Honor Local Heroes with a Day of Music, Fun, and Celebration

Veterans Music Festival Set to Honor Local Heroes with a
Day of Music, Fun, and Celebration

Brooksville, FL – (October 11, 2024) - Brooksville Main Street is proud to announce the Veterans Music Festival, a day dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our local veterans. The event will take place on Saturday, November 9^th, 2024 in Downtown Brooksville from 11am to 10pm. This family-friendly festival will feature live music, food, and activities, all aimed at showing our gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces.
Event Highlights:

Tunnel to Towers 9/11 “Never Forget” Mobile Museum motorcade

The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 “Never Forget” Mobile Museum motorcade is a moving tribute that accompanies the museum exhibit as it travels between locations. The motorcade typically consists of a convoy of emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, police cars, and other first responder vehicles, symbolizing the heroism and sacrifice of those who responded on 9/11.
The motorcade is often led by retired New York City firefighters and first responders, many of whom share their personal experiences at each exhibit stop. The visual of the motorcade is designed to evoke the unity and strength shown in the aftermath of the attacks, reinforcing the message of remembrance and honoring the sacrifices made.
As the mobile museum approaches its destination, the motorcade serves to build anticipation and reverence, allowing onlookers to pay their respects. It also helps raise awareness of the exhibit’s presence in a community, drawing people in to experience its powerful content.
On Thursday, Nov 7^th at approximately 2pm, the public is encouraged to line Russell Street to Fort Dade to welcome and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. The Hernando County Sheriff and Fire Department convoy will escort the museum from Hwy 50 / I 75 intersection towards Brooksville. At the city limits, Brooksville Fire Department will escort the museum down into downtown Brooksville.

Tunnel to Towers 9/11 “Never Forget” Mobile Museum

The NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit is an 83-foot tractor-trailer that transforms into a 1,100-square-foot museum space. Visitors to the Mobile Exhibit will see artifacts from Ground Zero, including World Trade Center steel, pieces of the marble lobby floor, and the aluminum façade.
The exhibit features videos, 9/11 dispatch audio, and a tribute to the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, and those who have lost their lives since due to 9/11-related illnesses.
Tours of the exhibit are conducted by retired New York City Firefighters and first responders who responded to Ground Zero. These witnesses to history share their experiences and memories of what they saw on 9/11 and the days and weeks that followed.

Exhibit location & hours: Main Street- Downtown Brooksville
- Friday, Nov 8^th 1pm-7pm
- Saturday, Nov 9^th 11:00am-5:00pm

Festival Opening Ceremony 10:00am Saturday, Nov 9th
- Welcome remarks by City of Brooksville Mayor and local elected officials
- Honor Guard salute and National Anthem

Veterans Resource Organizations: Throughout the day, various military and veteran organizations will be on site to provide information on veteran services, health programs, and support networks.
Live Music: Downtown Brooksville will be rocking into the night with back-to-back performances on two stages packed with live music! Enjoy a lineup of local bands and headlining performers, ensuring there’s something for every music lover. Get ready to dance, sing, and celebrate our veterans with an unforgettable day of music!
- Bandshell in Hernando Park:
  - 11am-1pm Celtic Conundrum
  - 2pm-4pm Jam Jones
  - 5pm-7pm The Bearded Brothers
  - 8pm-10pm Black Thorn Brigade
- “Homegrown” Stage
  - 12pm-6pm – Performances by local musicians, dance troops and artists, including genres from rock and country to blues and patriotic tunes.
Food Trucks: Indulge in a variety of food trucks offering everything from classic festival eats like burgers, hot dogs, and funnel cakes to unique local cuisine. Savor delicious BBQ, gourmet tacos, artisanal pizza, southern comfort food, and refreshing beverages. Vegetarian and vegan options will also be available, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Explore a vibrant Artisan Market featuring local arts, crafts, and retail vendors offering a wide variety of unique goods. From handcrafted jewelry and artwork to custom-made clothing, home décor, and specialty gifts, there's something for everyone. Support local artisans while discovering one-of-a-kind treasures. Perfect for early holiday shopping or finding a memorable keepsake to honor veterans.
Family Fun Zone: Fun for all ages awaits! Enjoy exciting photo opportunities throughout the event, face painting, and a captivating magician performing tricks that will delight both kids and adults. The zone will also feature a variety of games and activities, including carnival-style games, and interactive entertainment.

“We’re thrilled to bring the community together to celebrate our veterans through music, fun, and togetherness,” said Christopher Rhodes, Board President of Brooksville Main Street. “This event is not just about entertainment; it’s about honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. The Veterans Music Festival is our way of giving back to those who have given so much. We hope to create a space where families, friends, and the community can come together to reflect on the importance of their sacrifices while enjoying a day filled with music, activities, and heartfelt appreciation.”
The event is free to the public. Win the Day Foundation will provide complimentary shuttle services for easy access.
Sponsors:

This event is proudly sponsored the following community leaders:
- Medal of Honor Presenting Sponsor: Lowman Law Firm
- Purple Heart Sponsors
  - Tunnels 2 Towers Mobile Museum
    - Advent Health
    - GMC Brooksville
    - Massage Envy
  - Family Fun Zone- Advent Health
  - Entertainment- Replay Guitar Exchange
  - VIP- Berkshire Hathaway Home Services- Florida Property Group Team Magnum
- Silver Star Sponsors
  - Advocate Health Advisors
  - Creative Environmental Solutions
  - CEMEX
  - The Naturecoaster.com
  - Family Chiropractic
  - Suncoast Braces
  - Walmart
- Bronze Star Sponsors
  - Accent Carpet & Tile
  - Brewer & Sons Funeral Home
  - Mike’s Auto Body
- Community Partners
  - Country Depot
  - Snappy Soiree
  - Stir Up the Gift Talent Group
  - Jacob Hunt Talent LLC
  - Painted Cheeks
  - Hernando County Recycling
  - Monocle Wedding Photographer
  - Hidden Creek Industries
  - Krueger Industries / Win the Day Foundation
  - Hernando Sun
  - Hits 106
  - WWJB Radio

For more information, visit www.weloveBVL.org or follow us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/share/r1tFnJdpJpVdxwE5/
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About Brooksville Main Street:

We are Main Street. A local 501(c)3 non-profit agency tasked with economic revitalization of historic Downtown Brooksville. Our mission is to honor the small-town charm and spirit of our hometown by fostering a strong sense of community and family. We are dedicated to historic preservation and revitalization ensuring Brooksville's unique character and deep roots thrive for future generations. Through our committees: Design, Economic Vitality, Organization and Promotions, we host a variety of events that bring visitors to downtown to enjoy all there is to offer.
Brooksville Main Street is pleased to be recognized as an accredited member of Main Street America and Florida Main Street as well as proud partners of the City of Brooksville, Hernando County Government, Florida Adventure Coast Brooksville & Weeki Wachee, the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, Florida Humanities, Florida Wildlife Corridor, the Florida Division of Arts & Culture and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
For more information, please visit www.welovebvl.org or https://www.facebook.com/brooksvillemainstreet