Miura America will host its fourth annual First Responders Appreciation Day and UGA game day tailgate Saturday, Sept. 19, bringing together more than 300 first responders, military members and their families for an afternoon of complimentary food, entertainment, family activities and community recognition.
The rain-or-shine event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Miura America’s North American headquarters, 2200 Steven B. Smith Blvd. in Rockmart.
Miura launched First Responders Appreciation Day in 2022 as a way to recognize the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, emergency support personnel, active-duty military members and veterans who serve communities throughout the region. Attendance and community support for the event have continued to grow each year.
“Being part of this community, both personally and through Miura, makes this day especially meaningful to me,” said Amanda Barber, People Support Manager at Miura. “We want our first responders and military members to bring their families, enjoy a great afternoon together and simply let us take care of them for a change. This day is our way of saying thank you and making sure they know just how much their service and sacrifices are appreciated.”
More than 300 attendees are expected this year. Admission and activities are complimentary for eligible first responders, military members and their families. Pre-registration is encouraged to make check-in fast and easy, but walk-up attendees are welcome.
Two first responder scholarships to be awarded
Miura America and Lockton will each present a first responder scholarship during the event.
Each scholarship will be valued at a minimum of $1,500. Applicants must apply on-site during First Responders Appreciation Day, and the two recipients will be announced before the event concludes. Final scholarship amounts are still being determined.
Lockton is the event’s exclusive Diamond Host-Matching Sponsor and represents the highest level of sponsorship for the 2026 event. The privately held, independent insurance brokerage provides risk management, employee benefits and retirement services to organizations around the world.
Lockton’s support helps fund the event experience for first responders and their families while also providing direct support through one of the two scholarships being awarded this year.
Family activities and entertainment planned throughout the afternoon
First Responders Appreciation Day is designed as a family event, with activities available throughout the afternoon for children and adults.
Families will have the opportunity to have professional portraits taken in a specially designed family portrait setting. Other activities will include a video game truck courtesy of Coosa Valley Credit Union, face painting, custom First Responders Appreciation Day T-shirt imprinting, complimentary five-minute massages for first responders, bounce houses and inflatables, and a variety of games.
A dedicated water activity area will include a water slide, water guns, water balloons and a foam party.
The event will also feature a magician and mentalist, cotton candy, food trucks, giveaways, raffle prizes and additional entertainment. Raffle winners do not need to be present to win.
The afternoon will include a University of Georgia football game watch party with a live DJ.
State and community leaders to participate
Georgia state Rep. Trey Kelley, who represents District 16, is scheduled to speak during the event.
Representatives from Miura America, Lockton and Southeast Boiler & Equipment will also address attendees and recognize the contributions of first responders and military personnel to the communities they serve.
Southeast Boiler & Equipment, Miura America’s representative serving Tennessee, Alabama and North Georgia, is the event’s Platinum Sponsor. The company provides boiler equipment, steam plant design, installation, commissioning and related services throughout the region.
Gold sponsors for the 2026 event are Shepard Bros. Inc., Optimum Productions and Georgia Machine Works.
Silver sponsors are Bank of America, Coosa Valley Credit Union, Grater Digital, Koch Applied Solutions LLC, Lockwood Products, MSA Transport, Omni Machine Works, Precision Metal Inc., Smith Gambrell & Russell, Thermal Product Solutions and Tulsa Fin Tube.
Sponsor contributions help provide food, activities, entertainment, event shirts, giveaways and scholarship funding for first responders and their families.
Event information
What: Miura America’s fourth annual First Responders Appreciation Day and UGA game day tailgate
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Miura America Co., LTD., 2200 Steven B. Smith Blvd., Rockmart, GA 30153
Who: First responders, military members, emergency support personnel and their families
Admission: Complimentary. Pre-registration is encouraged to make check-in fast and easy, but walk-ups are welcome. Guests may be asked to present a first responder, military or other qualifying service ID at check-in.
Scholarships: Two scholarships of at least $1,500 each will be awarded. Applications must be completed on-site, and recipients will be announced during the event.
Weather: Rain or shine
Registration and information: miuraboiler.com/first-responders/
