By Aaron Carn
mail@floridanewsline.com
On Friday, Sept. 30, the Creekside High School Athletics Department, in conjunction with the Bartram Trail Athletics Department, will be hosting a Military Appreciation Night. This event will be held during the annual rivalry football game and will take place at Creekside’s Freedom Fields. The theme is Red, White, and Blue in honor of the men and women who have fought for our country and those who continue to sacrifice for us.
All active, reserve, and military veterans are invited to attend and will admitted FREE with a valid military ID. Prior to the football game, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Creekside will host a community tailgate and festival event. This event will be held on campus (south of the portables) and will include music, food and games with activities featuring the Armed Forces and area businesses. Additionally, both schools will be collecting donations for the USO in order to prepare care packages for our deployed military.
Following the tailgate event, fans will move into the stadium where there will be a special recognition of our military guests, including our official game honoree, World War II veteran, Jim Snellen. In addition, Brennan Asplen, Deputy Superintendent of St. Johns County School District, will participate in the coin toss ceremony. The Power of Creekside Band, combined with the Spirit of Bartram Band, will perform the National Anthem while the Bartram Trail High School Air Force JROTC presents the flag and colors. The two bands feature nearly 500 members.
During the game, concessions will be available with hamburgers, hot dogs,nachos, Chick-fil-A sandwiches and more. Creekside will host a Military VIP area in the east endzone where refreshments will be served, compliments of the local Chick-fil-A.  All military guests and their families are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating closest to the action.
Attending and participating in the tailgate festivities is free. Tickets to the game are $7/under age six are admitted free. Active military and veterans with military ID will be admitted free into the game and into the VIP area.
Tailgate festivities are from 4:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m. and kickoff is 7 p.m. All District rules apply. No alcohol, weapons or tobacco will be permitted on campus.
Aaron Carn is with the Creekside High School Athletic Department
