A brand new event called Burgers for Badges will provide free lunch to emergency responders.
The event is set for Sunday, July 17, and will be held behind the Main & Mill Brewing Co., 240 E. Main St., in Festus.
Twin City Jeeps, a nonprofit organization made up of Jeep enthusiasts, will sponsor the event, said Barry Vandiver of Festus, a spokesman for the group.
He said the event will last as long as there is food to give out.
“It’s first-come, first-served,” Vandiver said. “We’ll start serving at 11:30 a.m. and will keep serving until we’re out of food or people keep showing up. We have the space until 4 p.m.”
He said Twin City Jeeps will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwursts, chips, other sides and soft drinks.
“Main & Mill will provide a free beer,” Vandiver said. “Anyone who’s on duty will get a token for a free beer for another time. We’re also talking to local businesses to donate raffle prizes.”
Vandiver said another group of Jeep enthusiasts holds a similar event, so the Twin City Jeeps members decided to hold one of their own.
“There’s a group in Farmington called Lead Belt Jeepers who held something like this for the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office and the Farmington Police,” he said. “We’re expanding it for any first responders. We’ll have dinner for free for the police, firefighters and other first responders. Anyone who shows up who’s a licensed cop, firefighter or other first responder is welcome.”
The point of the event is to thank those who respond to calls for help, Vandiver said.
He describes Twin City Jeeps as a group of people who enjoy owning and driving Jeeps.
“We’re a Facebook organization of people who own Jeeps in Festus and Crystal City and the surrounding area,” Vandiver said. “There’s no dues. It’s free to join.”
Denny Foster, co-owner of Main & Mill Brewing Co., said he is happy to have the event at his establishment.
“We want to do anything we can to support local police, fire and other first responders,” he said.
To donate for Burgers for Badges or more information, send messages via Facebook to the Twin City Jeeps page or Barry Vandiver’s page.