Red, Wine, and Brew: Honoring La Porte’s Local Heroes

Red, Wine, and Brew: Honoring La Porte’s Local Heroes

Every year on the 4th of July, we dress ourselves in the United States of America colors and head outside to enjoy a night of family, friends, parade-fun, and fireworks. We celebrate the history of the independence of this country, remembering the service our forefathers years ago.

Today, we are extending that honor to those fathers, brothers, husbands, and friends who are continuing to serve the local community with an extra day of celebration. In La Porte County, to honor their Local Heroes, community organizations are hosting the 2nd annual Red, Wine, and Brew event on July 3rd.

The Local Heroes Benefit is a campaign established to honor the Local Heroes – First Responders of La Porte County, who serve on the La Porte County Police, Sheriff, Fire, and EMS departments. Carey Garwood of Bethany Lutheran Church is the main organizer of the event.

2“We kicked off our Local Heroes Benefit this year with an online photo contest,” she explained.

The contest is an on-going fundraiser technique where community members can go online to nominate and vote for their local heroes, since “everyone has a first responder they know and would love to nominate,” she said.

The top three picked will win a gift card and vacation prize, while the overall top 18 chosen responders will be featured in a Local Heroes Benefit calendar, which will be available at the July 3rd Red, Wine, and Brew event.

RWB-1The pre-holiday event is the big fundraiser to raise money for the community members. The event is held in the Pioneer Land of La Porte County Fairgrounds. Participants can purchase tickets early online or at the door, where they are then given a shot-glass sized necklace to sample the countless number of local breweries and wines.

For those who want to skip the line, the premier VIP early access ticket price is $50 and participants can arrive at 3 p.m. An hour later, the general admission visitors can start enjoying the event, with their ticket prices priced at $30. The cash bar only admission, which starts at 6 p.m., can be purchased for $20. Local Heroes currently serving in one of the first responder departments can attend the event for a $10 ticket.

The night’s entertainment includes some of the hottest rising country stars in the country. The first performer is the local band, Hazzard County, starting at 4 p.m. Another local favorite, Middle of the Road, will start at 5:15 p.m. The Nashville duo, Walker McGuire plays at 6:30p.m. and finally, the performer of the night, Dylan Scott takes the stage at 7:45 p.m. and will close out the event. Scott has been known as the rising star on the Country Music Charts with his top-30 hit, “My Girl.”

“We are excited that B100 radio has come on board as a main sponsor and will be covering the event with a live remote,” Garwood exclaimed. Other sponsors making this night the hit event of La Porte County’s summer are Bethany Lutheran Church and the La Porte Jaycees.

RWB-3Yet, we cannot forget the other main fundraiser for the campaign, which has already started: The Red, White and Blue Jeep Wrangler raffle. The La Porte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram sponsored jeep, wrapped in the USA flag and colors, is once again ready to be raffled and the winner will be announced during the 4th of July Fireworks show. Ticket sales are $20 per ticket or three for $50. If won, the jeep can be exchanged for an $18,000 cash option.

Last year, participants watched the K9 unit of the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department demonstrate attacks on Sheriff John Boyd, while enjoying their brew and food, sponsored by local restaurants.

Overall, the night is here to offer those 21 and older a pre-4th of July celebration with beer, bands and BBQ, while raising money to support the men and women who serve the community day in, day out.

“Last year’s events raised $14,000 for the First Responder Departments of the La Porte County Sheriff and EMS, and the La Porte City Fire and Police, as well as the funding for the Jaycee community fireworks,” Garwood said. The Jaycees run the city’s parade and fireworks show each year.

RWB-4To see the selection of the 75-plus beverages, click here and to see more information on the bands playing, click here. Details and ticket purchases for the main event can be found at http://redwineandbrewlaporte.com and the ticket sales for the Jeep Wrangler Raffle can be found here: http://blc24seven.com/recent-posts/3rd-annual-jeep-raffle . To enter a name to the photo contest click here.