ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The Creekside High School and Bartram Trail athletics departments will host a military appreciation event Friday, before the annual rivalry football game between the two schools.
The event will be held at Creekside High School’s Freedom Fields.
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The theme is red, white and blue in honor of the men and women who have served the country. All active, reserve and military veterans are invited to attend and will be admitted free with a valid military ID.
Creekside will host a community tailgate and festival event before the football game. The event will be held on campus south of the portables and will include music, food and games, with activities featuring the armed forces and area businesses. Both schools will be collecting donations for the USO to prepare care packages for deployed military members.
A special recognition of military guests in the stadium will be held after the tailgating event, including the official game honoree, WWII veteran, Jim Snellen. Brennan Asplen, deputy superintendent of St. Johns County School District, will participate in the coin toss ceremony.
The Power of Creekside Band and the Spirit of Bartram Band will perform the national anthem, while the Batram Trails High School Air Force JROTC will present the flag and colors. The two bands include nearly 500 members.
During the game, concessions will be available, including hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, Chick-fil-A sandwiches and more.
Creekside will host a military VIP area in the east end zone where refreshments will be served from Chick-fil-A. All military guests and their families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating closest to the action.
Attendance and participation in the tailgate festivities are free. Tickets to the game are $7. Children under 6 get in free. Active military and veterans with military IDs will be admitted free into the game and the VIP area.
Tailgate festivities are from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
No alcohol, weapons or tobacco will be permitted on campus.