A press release from Joe’s Wish:

Joe’s Wish gears up for second annual Patriots in the Park Family Fun Day

McHENRY — Veterans’ groups, vendors, local businesses and volunteers are wanted to participate in the second annual Patriots in the Park Family Fun Day.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Veterans Memorial Park, Pearl and Court streets, McHenry.

It will feature live music by Frank Bang and the Secret Stash from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., with low-to no-cost kids’ games, food, beverages, raffles, a fundraising “brig” and more throughout.

Vendors’ booths are available for $50 for a 10-foot-by-10-foot space and $75 for a double space. Electrically equipped spaces are limited, and will cost $10 more.

One of the Joe’s Wish images.

In its first year, the event drew about 600 people, said Marianne Ruiz, president and founder of Joe’s Wish, the McHenry-based nonprofit organization that coordinates Patriots in the Park.

“This event raises funds for heroes in need and for sending children of fallen heroes to camp,” Ruiz said.

“The whole idea, too, is to raise awareness of veterans’ organizations, to let the community know what’s out there and to let the veterans know what’s out there.”

At least one Medal of Honor winner is expected to be on hand, and many new organizations will be represented this year.

These include

• Restoration America, which helps veterans in need of housing, and
• Boots and Hooves, which provides equine therapy programs for veterans.

Anyone interested in vending, representing a veterans’ organization, helping to defray event costs, or simply helping out on event day is asked to contact Ruiz at joeswishnfp@gmail.com or (815) 575-1011.

Volunteer opportunities run the gamut from 6:30 a.m. set-up to 4 p.m. tear-down, light duty to heavy duty, and a few hours to full day.

Anyone interested in the cash raffle — featuring a top prize of $2,500 — can buy tickets at the Joe’s Wish booth during McHenry’s Monday night Cruise Nights west of Green Street downtown.

Joe’s Wish also will have a booth during Fiesta Days sidewalk sales July 19. Raffle tickets are $10 each or three for $20.

The drawing will take place at Patriots in the Park Aug. 24. The ticket holder need not be present to win. For other information, visit joeswish.com, find Joe’s Wish on Facebook or call (815) 575-1011.