Woodstock Public Safety Foundation Spring Festival Set For Saturday

Saturday will be packed with events Woodstock residents can do to recognize National Police Week. 

Along with its Hustle For Heroes 5K Run/Walk & Kid's Fun Run, the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation will hold its annual Police Memorial Service and Spring Festival. 

The run/walk is set for 7:30 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Woodstock.

The Kids’ Fun Run will follow at 8:30 a.m. Runners and walkers will receive both a t-shirt and a water bottle. Award categories will include best overall male/female, Top Hero (Police/Fire/EMT), age groups.  

"We are excited about the response we’ve seen thus far," said Tori Hand, foundation board member and race coordinator. "What makes this race so great is that the route is entirely on the church campus so participants do not have to worry about running near traffic. We’re looking forward to a fun and exciting event."

The race will be followed by the memorial service at 10 a.m. and the festival at 11 a.m. Both will be held at the Park at City Center in downtown Woodstock. 

Representatives from local law enforcement agencies will be in attendance with Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney Shannon Wallace serving as the keynote speaker.

City leaders will also present a proclamation declaring May 12-18 as Police Week in the city.

"It is vital that we remember and honor the dedicated law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty," added Police Chief Calvin Moss. "This ceremony will allow us – as a community – to reflect on the law enforcement mission and pay homage to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community."

This year's festival will have live music, food and merchandise vendors, demonstrations from police K-9s as well as Woof! Sports USA and various activities and games for children.

Both the Woodstock Police Department and the Woodstock Fire Department will perform demonstrations with public safety equipment.

The foundation will have a public raffle with drawings for prizes throughout the day, one of which is a grand prize of round-trip airfare from Atlanta to New York City for a family of four, hotel accommodations for two nights, dinner and a visit to the Sept. 11 Memorial.

Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens will draw the grand prize ticket at 5 p.m.

Tickets are currently on sale between now through Saturday by calling 770-592-6012.  

The Georgia Law Enforcement Moving Memorial trailer will be on display for the during the festival, which honors the 678 Georgia law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

"This day serves as an excellent opportunity for citizens to enjoy a day of fun with our local heroes while we, as a community, remember those heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty," said Foundation President Scott O'Meara. 

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