9/11 Tribute Set for Saturday, September 10th

What began as a fairly small gathering on the north side of the Prowers County Courthouse in 2012 has grown; in size, popularity and attendance.

The Tri-State 9/11 Tribute, honoring all first responders and Armed Forces, past and present, is being tweaked for last minute preparations for the Saturday event which begins with a 10am parade along South 6^th Street in Lamar.  The final destination is the Prowers County Fairgrounds for a day of activities and events to honor first responders and members of the Armed Forces of America.

Because of the time needed for all the parade entries to travel the start and stop points, the event was moved from Main Street in Lamar to South 6^th and then west to South 9^th Street allowing highway traffic to continue.  Event originator, Doug Harbour felt that because of the addition of the motorcycle riders from the Patriotic Thunder on the Plains out of Ft. Carson, this year’s parade may be the most well-attended.

There are some time changes to this year’s events, moving some items forward on the clock. A flag retirement ceremony at the fairground’s pavilion will be held at 11am, a free patriotic concert featuring the 4^th Infantry Division Band will begin at 11:45 in the arena and will continue through the afternoon BBQ which is free to all first responders and past and present members of the Armed Forces.

The formal tribute ceremony, honoring the late EMS Coordinator, Rick Hartley will begin at 3pm. A separate event, the second annual Paint the Plains for Patriotist 5k run/walk will be held at Willow Creek Park beginning at the municipal pool parking lot at 5pm.  On a similar note, Harbour noted that groundbreaking ceremonies for a permanent Tribute display will be held on Saturday, October 1st, to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebration for Big Timbers Museum.  A specific time for the event will be given later.