Mark your calendars for April 17. That’s when Salute-A-Soldier returns to south Butler County. The third annual event will take place at the Hank Williams Park in the heart of Georgiana and feature concessions, arts and crafts and live music.

Sponsored by the Family Readiness Group of the 781st Transportation Squadron of the National Guard, the festival “is a way to honor all military branches,” says organizer Tina Little.

“We started this as a way to say thank you to all the active duty and prior military men and women. What they do for us is very important, and we want to celebrate them through offering a fun family day here in the county,” Little said. “We’re trying to make it bigger and better every year.”

Right now Little is looking for vendors who want to set up displays and booths at the event.

“If you or anyone you know would like to show off their arts and crafts, woodwork, handmade clothing, jewelry, or other items, please let me know,” Little said.

The event is free to the public.

Music lovers will be able to support a patriotic cause during the weekend with a planned concert by Josh Gracin, the fourth runner-up in the second season of “American Idol” (admission will be charged to the concert).

More details of the Gracin concert and Salute-A-Soldier will be found in upcoming editions of the paper and online at www.greenvilleadvocate.com. For more information, contact Tina Little at 334-374-8328