Family Freedom Fest an opportunity to show troops your appreciation

Sixth annual festival, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 in downtown Barrington at the Metra train station. Music, family and children's activities, food, beer garden, special guests, and the opportunity to let deployed servicemen and women know they are supported back home. Rain or shine. Free.

9:11 a.m. 9.11-Mile Freedom Run: Starts at the Metra station.

Noon-8 p.m. Care Village open: A village of tents - the centerpiece of the festival - provides positive interaction between festgoers and organizations that offer tangible help to men and women in uniform. If you have ever asked yourself "What can I do to help?" Here is your opportunity to learn how to support the USO, adopt a soldier on the front lines, and lots more!

Noon-12:45 p.m. Opening ceremony and memorial service: A solemn memorial for the fallen, with a dignified wreath laying ceremony, gun salute and military fly over.

12:45-1 p.m. 9.11-mile Freedom Run awards presentation: American flags will be presented to the top female and male winners in the 9.11-mile Freedom Run. The 33rd Infantry Brigade flew these American flags while on important missions in Afghanistan. A special presentation will be made by our distinguished guest.

1-3 p.m. Jamie Buckley, country music. Jamie is in his 15th year on active duty in the U.S. Army, assigned to the Recruiting Command. As the featured performer in "The U.S. Army Recruiting Entertainment Team featuring SFC Jamie Buckley" he performs everywhere from high schools to large country music festivals all across America as part of the Army recruitment drive. He has performed with Toby Keith, Big & Rich, Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn and Blake Shelton.

3-3:30 p.m. Keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley: As commanding general, U.S. Army Accessions Command and deputy commanding general for Initial Military Training. He is responsible for integrated command, control, and coordination of the Army's officer, warrant officer, and enlisted Accessions process from initial contact through completion of IMT.

3:30-4 p.m. Bataille Academie of the Dance: Variety of dances including tap and jazz; and a special patriotic finale honoring men and women in the armed forces.

4-4:30 p.m. Freedom Walk: Children will lead and all are asked to join. Children will carry a United States flag flown in the U.S. Southern Command. The walk will conclude at the main stage of the Family Freedom Festival with the flag being raised. Free T-shirts for the first 200 children.

4:30-5 p.m. Capt. Andrew Miller, U.S. Army: Barrington High School graduate Andrew Miller recently returned from service in Afghanistan. We Do Care and Barrington residents sent "care" packages to Andrew and his unit during deployment; now, hear firsthand the impact your support had on his unit.

5-6:45 p.m. High school & teen events: Athletes from Barrington High School's football, hockey, lacrosse and other teams, clubs and middle school students will participate in a WII rock band and tug-of-war contest.

7-10 p.m. Libido Funk Circus: Rock, dance and party songs of the past 40 years.