Newly Redesigned Hawks Cay Resort to Host ‘Heroes Salute’ Tribute During Labor Day Weekend
DUCK KEY, Florida Keys — A “heroes in action” Labor Day weekend at the renovated Hawks Cay Resort, Villas and Marina is to honor men and women members of the military, fire rescue, police, and medical personnel. The 10th annual Heroes Salute tribute event is scheduled Friday through Sunday, Aug. 31 through Sept. 2.
The popular Labor Day weekend celebration is timed to coincide with the unveiling of the redesigned main hotel with 177 guestrooms, meeting facilities, saltwater lagoon, outdoor pools and three restaurants — including an adults-only bar and grill — all scheduled to reopen August 30.
Heroes Salute activities kick off Friday with a family fun night with popcorn, games and a movie under the stars. Held at the sports field at Coral Cay kids’ activities center, the event is free and open to the public.
At 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, the Heroes Salute 5k Run/Walk is to start and finish at Angler and Ale Restaurant at the resort’s marina. Early registration fee is $25 until Aug. 31 and $30 on race day. The first 200 registrants are to receive a race medal, T-shirt and post-race beer, snacks and massages. For registration and packet pickup information, visit themeruns.com/heroes-salute/.
Also at the marina Saturday, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., a touch-a-truck event gives kids and adults a chance to view vehicles and life-saving equipment used by everyday heroes of the fire department, police and more. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
Saturday night a heroes’ video tribute around the fire pit under the stars honors fallen heroes and those formerly and currently in action. Live music and special guests also are planned and a 10 p.m. fireworks show caps off the evening.
Sunday brings a festive 6-9 p.m. All-American barbecue open to the public. Ticket prices are $27.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids ages 4-12, and free for children ages 3 and under. Keys tropical rock musician Howard Livingston and his Mile Marker 24 Band are to perform 8-10 p.m. for attendees to dance the night away. Event tickets are available for advance purchase and cover admission to the barbecue as well as the live musical performance.
Following damages sustained during Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the 60-acre Hawks Cay Resort closed to embark on a complete rejuvenation. The main hotel’s reopening is a major milestone in completing all recovery and renovation programs for the island complex.
Between Labor Day weekend and Dec. 20, 2018, the Heroes Salute program includes value-added offers for watersports activities, a weekly Heroes Tribute ceremony and specially priced rooms at Hawks Cay Resort for current and former military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and medical personal, as well as for their civilian supporters.
Hawks Cay Resort is to donate a portion of Heroes Salute proceeds to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
Accommodations at several other Marathon-area hotels, inns and lodging properties are available during the Labor Day weekend event.
Event information: floridakeysheroes.com
Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284
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Saturday, Sept. 1, the Heroes Salute 5k Run/Walk is to start and finish at Angler and Ale Restaurant at the resort’s marina.
