This Saturday · Honoring First Responders & Veterans

Forged to Protect

May 16, 2026  ·  The Foundery Church  ·  Wellsburg, WV

A powerful community gathering to honor the men and women who serve, protect, respond, sacrifice, and stand ready when others need help most.

📅
Date Saturday, May 16
🕑
Main Event 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎶
After Party 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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Location The Foundery Church · Wellsburg, WV
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About the Event

More Than
an Event.
A Statement.

Forged to Protect is a chance for families, kids, churches, businesses, veterans, and local agencies to come together and say thank you to the people who show up when our community needs them most.

We believe in honoring service — military and civilian alike — not just with words but with presence, recognition, and real community celebration.

View Confirmed Lineup →
🚒

Touch-a-Truck

Families can meet local first responders, see emergency vehicles up close, and help kids connect with real community heroes.

🎖️

Veteran & First Responder Appreciation

We recognize and celebrate those who have served through military, law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, and public safety.

🎵

Food, Vendors & Live Music

Shop local vendors, enjoy community fellowship, and stay for live music from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Confirmed Attendance

The Community Is Showing Up

First responders, departments, vendors, and community partners are already confirmed — and we're still adding more before event day.

First Responders & Agencies

✓ Confirmed
  • Brooke County EMS
  • Brooke County Sheriff's Office
  • Beech Bottom Volunteer Fire Department
  • Bethany Volunteer Fire Department
  • Colliers Volunteer Fire Department
  • McKinleyville Volunteer Fire Department

More departments, vehicles, demonstrations, and community partners may be added as confirmations continue coming in.

Community Vendors

Local
Tracy's Scented Delights Car freshies, wax melt beads, keychains & more.
Tupperware Kitchen accessories & Tupperware products.
Reverie Crafts Veteran & first responder tees and keychains.
Archie's Fidgets 3D printed items, fidgets & toys.
Delia's Farmhouse Bakery Breads, cookies & cinnamon rolls.
Moments By JessieJay Local community vendor.
HealthSource Wellsburg Community health & wellness.
Delicious Delights by Ashley Cakes, cake pops & chocolate treats.
Hana's Market Home Tumblers, candles, wax melts & slime.
Ruth's Flowers & Pies Flowers, pies & handmade goodness.
After Party

Live Music · 4 – 6 PM

After the main event, stay for music, fellowship, food, and community celebration.

4:00–4:30

The Foundery Worship Team

Led by Doc Roe, opening the after party with worship and community-centered music.

4:30–5:00

Jim & Jo-Ellen Haizlette

With support from the kids at CCA — bringing a special community performance to the event.

5:00–5:30

Bill Lamb

A featured music set during the Forged to Protect after party.

5:30–6:00

Kara & Jace

Closing out the evening with the final live music set of the night.

Everyone Has a Part to Play

Who We're Inviting

01

Families & Kids

Bring the whole family. Meet local heroes, see the vehicles, enjoy the atmosphere, and show your kids what gratitude looks like in action.

02

First Responders

Come be honored. Bring your vehicle, run a demo, and let your community see the heart behind the badge, helmet, and uniform.

03

Local Businesses

Support a meaningful local event. Sponsor appreciation efforts, donate food or supplies, or set up as a community partner.

04

Veteran Organizations

Connect, be recognized, and share resources. We want every veteran to feel seen and celebrated.

05

Food Vendors

Set up your booth and serve our community. Vendor spots are limited — sign up early to reserve your space.

06

Volunteers & Donors

Donate supplies, help with setup, or give your time. It all matters and we need you.

Help Us Make This Bigger
Than an Event

Inviting local businesses, churches, vendors, departments, families, and community members to honor first responders in a meaningful, lasting way.

Sign Up to Participate →
Get Involved

First Responder & Vendor Sign-Up

First responder agency, veteran org, food vendor, community group, business sponsor — tell us how you want to show up.