The sounds of music and parents playing with their children flooded the Laurel Bay community during the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation Day at Laurel Bay, Sept. 7.

Military Appreciation Day, sponsored by the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, honored local service members and their families for their hard work and sacrifices. The event featured local vendors and restaurants offering free food, music, games, and information on local businesses and the community. 

“The festival was just a small way for us to thank all of those that help make our community and country such a great place to live,” said Jaime Dailey-Vergara, the communications manager for the BCC. “We understand that service members often work long hours and deploy, taking them away from their families. This is why the event is family focused, so we can provide these families with a fun event to come to while spending quality time with one another.” 

The festival brought service members, their families, and the local community closer together through good food, fun activities and the appreciation from the local community. 

“Each year we receive great reviews from those in attendance about the event,” Dailey-Vergara said. “It’s a lot of hard work to put the festival together, but knowing we can do something that thanks the strong men and women that protect our nation each day makes it all well worth it.”