Toby Keith headlines Daytona Heroes Honor Fest: What you need to know
DAYTONA BEACH — Vietnam veterans will be saluted for their service Memorial Day weekend at the Heroes Honor Festival, a star-studded two-day event May 27 and 28 at Daytona International Speedway.
The brainchild of U.S. Army veteran Ben Peterson and his nonprofit organization, Engage Your Destiny, the event will feature appearances by country singers Toby Keith, Justin Moore and Craig Morgan, actress Ann-Margret, Lt. Col. Oliver North, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and others.
Additional activities include military flyovers, a patriot parachute team, veteran reunions, a veterans resource expo, lifetime legacy awards for veterans, a vigil for those killed in action and a Sunday Ride for Freedom.
A look at the event's creation: Daytona International Speedway to host 'biggest, baddest,' welcome home for Vietnam vets
Here's what you need to know if you're heading to the event:
When is it?
The Heroes Honor Festival runs from 6-9 p.m. May 27; and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. May 28 at Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.
What does it cost to attend?
All veterans, active military members and spouses can register for free tickets at the event's website, heroeshonorfestival.com. Children 12 and under are also free. For others, two-day general admission tickets are available for $79, with VIP packages available for $199, also at the website.
How many people are expected to attend?
Although Peterson's initial goal was to attract a crowd of 100,000, ticket reservations are now at the 20,000 threshold, he said.
When can I see some of these famous faces?
Specific appearance times aren't posted on the event's website, but most of the marquee guests are slated for Saturday afternoon, May 28, with Oliver North scheduled to speak between 1 and 4 p.m., followed by a performance by Craig Morgan.
Later that day, Ann-Margret and actress Chris Noel, known for her work on the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, will present a Heroes Honor Lifetime Legacy Award at 4 p.m.
That will be followed by a performance by Justin Moore, remarks by Gov. DeSantis and event organizer Ben Peterson. Following a Huey helicopter flyover and performance by the Bandit Flight Team, Toby Keith will perform to close the evening by 9 p.m.
What if I have more questions?
Visit heroeshonorfestival.com for more information and updates on the event.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Heroes Honor Festival will honor Vietnam vets on May 28 and 28 in Daytona Beach
