First Responders Back the Blue event set to roll out in Hyde Park

An event honoring first responders is coming to Hyde Park later this Saturday.

The inaugural First Responders Back the Blue event will be held Saturday at the Hyde Park Heritage Pavilion, 291 Railroad St., said Jay Zanotti, president of the Hyde Park Volunteer Fire Company.

The event is hosted by the fire company and A-K Valley Back the Blue, an organization that raises money for local police departments.

It will begin with a “Back the Blue honor ride” sponsored by City Kings motorcycle club. Motorcyclists will meet at 11 a.m. at Wildlife Lodge Lanes in Lower Burrell, and kick stands go up at 12:30 p.m., Zanotti said. The cost to participate in the ride is $15 and includes entry to the event.

State police will escort the ride, said Ron Balla, president and co-founder of Back the Blue.

Zanotti said the ride will leave Lower Burrell, go to Leechburg and Vandergrift, and come back to Hyde Park to kick off the event, which begins at 1 p.m. There is a $10 donation at the gate.

Live music includes Martin Vincent at 1:30 p.m.; Marshall & the Deputies at 2:30; Heidi and the Hellcats at 4; Miss Freddye’s Blues Band at 5:30; Curtis and Black ’n Blue at 7; and Lenny Collini Family Pak at 8:30.

“There’s something to be said about the musical talent in our area,” Balla said. “… they do it for free, and they do it because they care, and we’re very appreciative of that.”

Food, beverages, raffles and auctions also will be offered.

A fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.

“This will be the first time there will be a (professional) fireworks display at Hyde Park,” Zanotti said. “We’re looking forward to it.”

Proceeds will benefit first responders, A-K Valley Back the Blue and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Zanotti said. The region is no stranger to Back the Blue events, and Zanotti said organizers hope to continue growing A-K Valley Back the Blue’s footprint in the community.

Beneficiaries of Back the Blue are the New Kensington, Arnold, Lower Burrell, Upper Burrell and Tarentum police departments, according to Balla.

Funds have paid for police dog expenses, equipment for police cruisers, protective gear for officers and other needs. It held its fourth annual summer event in June in Lower Burrell.

“We’re trying to establish it in other communities,” Zanotti said. “That’s the goal.”

Balla said organizers are expecting a “fairly large” turnout.

“It’s grown so well and is so popular, other communities are reaching out to AK Valley Back the Blue to ask to host an event in their community,” Balla said.