(Vernon, NY – May 2013) This Sunday, May 19 at Vernon Downs, the Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Foundation will be hosting Family Fun Day from noon to 6 p.m.
There will be a variety of events for families of all ages. Kicking off the day in the entertainment area will be Fritz’s Polka Band followed by Fulton Chain Gang.
Then at 2:30 p.m. Showtime will be taking the stage with Gridley Paige wrapping up the day’s events at 4 to 6 p.m.
Throughout the day there will be a Car and Motorcycle Show for everyone to check out … if you want to show off your vehicle or bike you can enter the day of the event as well. There will be a craft fair, children ID cards and car seat safety check as well as law enforcement and military displays.
There will be a complete kids zone filled with mechanical rides from Scotty’s as well as bounce houses, face painting, magicians, the Utica Zoo Mobile and obstacle courses, all of which is part of the entrance fee. Once you have come through the gate the only costs incurred would be for food and beverages. As a matter of fact, the first 500 children through the entrance gate will receive a free t-shirt. Children 4 and under are free, kids 5-12 are $10/ticket and 13 and over is $20. All funds raised will go to the Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Foundation for the development of the Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Memorial Park.
About Deputy Kurt B. Wyman:
On June 7, 2011 Deputy Kurt B. Wyman of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office in Oriskany, NY was shot and killed in the line of duty while at a domestic dispute.
Kurt began his career in law enforcement in June of 2005 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He served with distinction in Iraq, and was quickly promoted to the rank of sergeant. While there, he earned several honors including the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. In 2007 Kurt joined the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, where he earned the Grand Cordon Medal twice and was named 2010 Rookie of the Year, reflecting his strong character and commitment to law enforcement.
When Kurt was killed, he was only 24 years old. He left behind his wife Lauren Wyman and their two children, Alexander and Adyson. Adyson was born on the evening that Kurt was tragically killed.
Shortly after the tragic loss of Deputy Wyman, his family, co-workers and several others from his community, formed a committee with the goal of building a park on Judd Road in the Town of Whitestown to honor his memory and ensure that his legacy is kept alive. The committee has partnered with the Town of Whitestown, and is aggressively planning for the development of this park.