***Editor’s Note: These events have been moved to Broulims in Afton rather than the east alley of Afton – 

Star Valley’s new weekly summer tradition, Friday Night Lights, has been rebranded for the week of July 7-10 as Hometown Heroes Week in tribute to veterans and in collaboration with the Wall that Heals. Lending support to Afton as the town hosts The Wall and the many guests who are visiting, the festivities offer entertainment, food, activities and information to guests visiting Star Valley for this very special occasion.    

The week’s events have been organized to “support the wall and the town of Afton because of the sheer number of people we are expecting,” said Christa Tidwell, creator and owner of Star Valley Events, LLC. 

The week’s plans include product vendors and food trucks that are scheduled to rotate throughout the week, offering various kinds of food and beverages, such as lemonade, dirty sodas and adult beverages. “Dog tags will be given to the veterans, and the VA will be there to educate veterans about support services that are available to them,” Tidwell said. 

Wednesday is Hometown Heroes Day. “I would like everybody who is available on Wednesday to come and sign our ‘Thank you, Veterans’ Banner,” Tidwell added. The banner will be available for guests to sign in expression of gratitude for the sacrifice and service rendered by all the veterans honored by the week’s festivities. Signatures are welcome until 8 p.m. and then “we are going to hang it over by The Wall on the fence outside the middle school.” 

Thursday is Community Day, welcoming community members to come out in support of local vendors and small businesses. 

Tidwell expects more vendors during the day on Friday than any other day of the week-long event. Local youth vendors are also featured on Friday with unique opportunities to launch their businesses by sharing their goods with the community. Line dancing is offered that evening. Folks can come and dance the night away.    

Friday also features the Star Valley Arts Council Art Auction Fundraiser, where guests can view and purchase, by silent auction bid or buy-it-now pricing, over 100 pieces of art created by local and regional artists. Proceeds from the auction benefit the SVAC as they continue to provide excellence in art experience and education in Star Valley. 

Saturday is a day for the entire family, offering vendors, food trucks and face painting. It will be a “fun day to hang out and support local businesses,” said Tidwell. “Everyone is welcome.” 

Tidwell invites everyone to enjoy the festivities. “Let’s come together to honor those who served, support our local businesses, and create an unforgettable week for our community and visitors.”