Perdido Key, Fla. - (OBA) - May 20, 2023, is nationally recognized as Armed Forces appreciation day. The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce along with the office of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) of NAS Pensacola and the Perdido Key community of organizations, businesses, and volunteers will be working together to provide Military families a FREE event, The Star-Spangled Salute Military Appreciation Festival.

Chamber President, Tammy Thurow said "Naval Air Station Pensacola employs more than 16,000 military members and 7,400 civilian personnel who support business right here in Escambia County. It is important to our membership to thank all who are now serving or have served in the past, and this festival is a great way for us to work together to accomplish that goal."

With the support of Escambia County District 1 and 2 Commissioners, Jeffrey Bergosh and Mike Kohler, along with donations from Perdido Key Chamber member businesses including Columbia Southern University, Holiday Harbor Marina & Sunset Grille, Perdido Realty, The Flora-Bama, Florida Power and Light, the Perdido Key Sports Bar, and the V.A. Lawyer, the Star-Spangled Salute, Military Appreciation Festival will be open to active duty and retired Military, DOD employees, and their family members.

The event will be held Saturday, May 20th at the Blue Angel Recreation Area located at 2100 Bronson Rd off Hwy 98 in Pensacola. The festivities will run from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm and will include family-oriented games, crafts, water activities including a cardboard boat regatta, over $8,000 in door prizes, free food, and much more. Members of the Perdido Bay Tribe will be performing native dances in traditional garb and sharing the art and culture of their ancestors with festival attendees. The event will end with a professional fireworks display shot over Perdido Bay at 8:15.

According to Perdido Key Area Chamber Chair Erin Wilmer, "It is a pleasure and privilege to be able to bring our members and volunteers together to show our appreciation of all who have served this great country."

Contact the Chamber to get involved in thanking our Gulf Coast Heroes. Donations of cash and prizes are welcome. Call 850-492-4660 or email info@perdidochamber.com to donate or volunteer.