Cherokee County law enforcement and emergency personnel dig into hot dogs, hamburgers and other lunch items during Thursday's “Celebrating Hometown Heroes” event in Gaffney. It was the moment for which Hollywood Productions owner Roger Huskey had waited.

Equipped with tables, wide screen televisions and access to satellite reception, local residents were given their first look at the most recent addition to the company’s fleet, a 50-foot mobile bar. Giving those choosing to visit the opportunity to seek shade, passersby on Granard Street decided to give the trailer a second look.

“It definitely is something new,” Huskey said. “We couldn’t ask for a much better opening.”

Huskey could have chosen any other day for the mobile bar’s first operation, in particular dates in which the trailer is booked for use in locales as far away as New York and California. However, in the eyes of the Gaffney business owner those dates would not do. This one was the one because there are not too many occasions for one to pay homage to people who respond at a moment’s notice to ensure the well-being of someone they likely have never met.

In a show of honor and respect for law enforcement officials and other emergency personnel, Hollywood Productions and American Community Bank teamed up to put together an event aptly named “Celebrating Hometown Heroes.”

“At some point each of us will need these people,” Huskey said. “I’m so grateful for the number of people that came out and paid homage to these people that lay their lives on the line daily. They do so much for us, and this is merely a small measure of our gratitude.”

The event, held in the lot adjacent to the American Community Bank on Granard Street, honored emergency officials by providing them a lunch consisting of hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, chips and cookies.

Prior to the event, American Community Bank official and NFL side judge Rick Patterson wondered how the current heat wave gripping much of the Southeast would affect turnout for the event.

“Really, beforehand I was worried the heat would keep people from coming out,” Patterson said. “The fact people came out to show their appreciation along with the number of law enforcement and emergency officials present I couldn’t be much happier with the way the event turned out.

“Rarely do (law enforcement and emergency officials) get the opportunity to sit down and talk to each other away from a scene in which a crime or some inopportune circumstance occurred. It’s good seeing them being able to fellowship among each other under good terms,” he said.