Second Heroes and Hamburgers Sept. 30

After the success of last year's inaugural Heroes and Hamburgers festival, which brought together the Bella Vista community with its first responders, Simple Pleasures Events Center is hosting the second annual event on Sept. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Bella Vista Highlands.

The event -- designed to help area families get to know the local police, fire and emergency service workers -- will include a kids music festival, classic car rides, a thank-a-hero card station, Simple Pleasures' signature wood-fired cheeseburgers, games, stirring patriotic big band music by the JM Band, a grand finale fireworks display and more. There will be a community giving table where guests can make donations to one of three local nonprofits.

"We had an incredible time at last year's event, and the community really came out to support the Bella Vista first responders," said Ken Miner, founder of Simple Pleasures. "This year, we have some new things planned and know they'll all add up to a great afternoon of celebrating American values and enjoying wholesome, family fun."

Part of the appeal of Heroes and Hamburgers will be the opportunity for Bella Vista residents to engage in festival activities right alongside members of the police and fire/EMS departments -- something Miner believes is of major significance.

"It's easy to be afraid of what you don't know and understand," said Miner, who helped raise more than $25,000 for the purchase of new city vehicle equipment through last year's Heroes and Hamburgers event. "That's why we want our families -- and kids especially -- to get to know the police and fire/EMS departments ... There's no reason to be afraid of these heroic men and women who are working daily for our benefit. And we want our citizens to know and be proud of our first-responders."

Also new this year is presenting sponsor Mach 1 Financial Group, which supports Miner's vision for the event and is looking forward to playing a role in an event that can facilitate community unity.

"With all of the communities across the nation that seem to be divided and struggling to find common ground, it's such a blessing when the towns that you call home can all come together, have fun and support those who protect us every day," said Kyle Alexander, chief operating officer of Mach 1 Financial Group. "We're proud to be the presenting sponsor of Heroes and Hamburgers."

Admission to the family-friendly event is free. Those considering attending Heroes and Hamburgers are encouraged to bring the kids and lawn chairs and to be prepared for fun.

In the event of rain, the festival will be rescheduled for Oct. 1.

"We want this to be a great experience for everyone and to build a sense of pride in our community," Miner said. "We're very fortunate to live in a place like Bella Vista, and hopefully this event will remind us how blessed we are."

For more information, visit www.heroesandhamburgers.com.