Saying thank you to first responders and those who serve can happen in many ways, from taking a spot alongside a Memorial Day parade to participating in a drive to collect books or socks or other items for those living overseas.
If you're a business or event, though, your gratitude often comes in the form of a warm welcome, with discounted or free admission. The Los Angeles County Fair will do just that during its Week of Heroes, which runs from Wednesday, Sept. 9 through Sunday, Sept. 13. Presented by Springleaf Financial, the Week for Heroes promotion pays honor to the memory of Sept. 11, 2001 and to those people who serve in several different capacities today.
The deal: Get into the fair for two dollars if you're "active & retired military, reserves, fire, police, and paramedics." Just be sure to show a form of identification, and feel free to invite a guest, who can also enter the Pomona-based happening for two dollars.
The beneficiary: Red Cross. Half of every admission -- that's a buck -- will go to the organization.
If you're not near Pomona during the five-day stretch, and you prefer to take in a little ocean life, make for the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Friday, Sept. 11. The marine-marvelous institution is hosting a First Responders Day, which means that "(p)olice officers, sheriff's deputies, firefighters, and EMS employees receive free admission."
The aquarium has a suggestion on receiving deals, too, for friends and family accompanying you that day.
As with the county fair, anyone attending First Responders Day should be sure to bring an I.D. to the aquarium window.
