Local Heroes Were On Display In Sauk Rapids Thursday

An amazing array of vehicles and family-friendly activities took over the Benton County Fairgrounds Thursday night for a "Meet Your First Responders" event.

One by one the vehicles, which included fire trucks, SWAT vehicles, boats and ambulances, paraded into the fairgrounds and set up on the lawn to be photographed and available for hands-on inspection by event-goers young and old.

There were six horses being rode around the fairgrounds and the Life Link Helicopter made a landing right in front of the Cattle Barn. There was also a K9 demonstration near the Goat Barn that gave attendees a look at how the dogs are trained and how they do their job.

The free event also included complimentary burgers, chips and water.

Andy Mohs from Miller Buick/GMC says the event is a labor of love.

"The first responders event is on its seventh year and it's an awesome opportunity for Miller Buick/GMC to get behind it," Mohs said.

In the middle of the event Granite City Jump inflated a couple of giant bounce houses, which of course my son spent nearly the entirety of the event going wild on.

Overall, it was a really fun family event that was a great opportunity to not only see some really cool things up close, but also to thank a local hero in person. It was nice to see the human side of the people who are out here protecting us in our own backyard day after day.