Held on November 8 just prior to Veterans Day, the Fall Freedom Fest honored local veterans while gathering food donations for families in need this holiday season.

Sponsored by the Texas Christian Chamber of Commerce, the inaugural event took place in bright sunshine at Typhoon Texas, 555 Katy Fort Bend Road in Katy, beginning with a solemn salute to military heroes and ending with a spectacular drone show after dark.

The day of family fun featured live musical entertainment, including performances from local favorite Hayden Baker and Grammy-winning singer-songwriters Bill and Kim Nash, along with The Band Reeves and Calvary Houston Worship.

Admission was free but attendees were asked to donate non-perishable items such as boxed stuffing, canned vegetables, and other pantry staples ‍to help fill baskets for local families in need this Thanksgiving.

About 40 vendor booths and food trucks were on the scene, along with a kid’s zone with bounce houses.

Major sponsors included presenting sponsor Memorial Herman Katy, KSBJ radio, stage sponsor Simmons & Fletcher Christian Trial Lawyers, VIP experience sponsor American Furniture Warehouse, Hall of Heroes sponsor Houston Methodist West, Clean Fun Party Rentals, See Tim Sell, The West Law Office, RV Station, Vida Unida and Lifted Trucks, among others.

Attendance was estimated at about 2000, organizers told The Katy Times following the event. The event outgrew its original location, which was first set at The Katy Gardens, 1040 Schlipf Road, Katy, and which was moved to Typhoon Texas in early November.