Boone County Commission News Release

Boone County Hosts 4th Annual Ready Festival to Promote Community Preparedness

COLUMBIA, Mo. (September 10, 2024) - This Thursday, September 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Boone County Office of Emergency Management will host the 4th Annual Boone County Ready Festival at Cosmo Park's Lamb Shelter. This exciting community event is designed to engage, educate, and empower residents to be prepared for emergencies.

Over 70 local and regional vendors will be in attendance, including many of our local first responders, all three of the area's hospital systems, Team Rubicon, the Missouri National Guard, and the American Red Cross. Attendees will have the chance to interact with these organizations and learn vital preparedness skills.

The festival will also feature family-friendly activities, including games for kids, a magic show, and a variety of local food trucks offering tasty treats. To encourage emergency readiness, the first 150 households to attend will receive free preparedness kits.

A highlight of the festival will be the announcement of this year's recipient of the Tom S. Hurley Public Safety Service Award. This award, named in honor of the late Emergency Management Director Tom Hurley, recognizes an individual, agency, or organization that exemplifies outstanding community service in fostering preparedness, responding to emergencies, or building resilience.

"The Ready Festival is a fun way for people to connect with the community resources available to them, while also preparing their families and homes for emergencies," said Deputy Director Jake Waller. "Whether it's learning how to create an emergency kit or ensuring your family is ready for the unexpected, these small steps can make a huge difference."

This year's event promises to be the biggest yet, with a wide variety of educational opportunities and fun for all ages. The public is invited to join in the fun at Cosmo Park's Lamb Shelter and help build a more resilient community!

Boone County Ready Festival is possible this year through the generous support of our sponsors: Kelley Klean (Gold Sponsor), First Responder Support (Silver Sponsor), and the City of Columbia Office of Sustainability (Bronze Sponsor).

For more information, please visit https://www.showmeboone.com/oem/plan-prepare/festival.asp.

To learn more about Tom S. Hurley, visit the BCOEM website at https://www.showmeboone.com/oem/plan-prepare/tom-hurley.asp.

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