September 7th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
The community is invited to join the City of Hagerstown on Saturday, September 7 for “Aaron Brooks’ Homecoming of Hope”, a celebration intended to honor Aaron and to inspire others by sharing the incredible story that has taken him from Hagerstown to places all around the world, and back to Hagerstown with the 86kg freestyle wrestling Olympic bronze medal around his neck.
“What’s so amazing about his story is that it’s real,” Mayor Tekesha Martinez said. “Aaron’s just 24, and yet he’s shown us all what can be accomplished when we embrace our roots, our faith, and hard work. His journey is not only the manifestation of an American dream, it’s one that started right here in this city which should be a lesson to us all that the world isn’t too big a place for Hagerstonians to make their mark. And that’s why I wanted to call this the ‘Homecoming of Hope’—especially at a time when it’s easier not to find any. Aaron is literally a beacon of hope. We saw how easy he was to rally around with the watch parties that popped up for his Olympic wrestling matches and my hope is that Saturday will be a thousand times that. And he’s earned it!”
The schedule of events is as follows:
9:00-11:30 a.m. Autograph Signing at Younger Toyota
- Aaron will be signing autographs in the new car showroom
- First 500 guests receive an Aaron Brooks trading card
- Eklectic Coffee Bar and Sweet Grub Machine food trucks will be on site
- Address: 1945 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, MD 21740
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Processional from Younger Toyota to Meritus Park
- Line South Potomac Street from Public Square to Antietam Street to wave and show your support for Aaron
- Hagerstown Police Department, Hagerstown Fire Department, Negley's Water, and Hagerstown Area Police Athletic League will be part of the short procession
12:00 p.m. Homecoming of Hope Celebration at Meritus Park
- Gates open at 10:30 a.m. at Meritus Park with free entry
- Receive a wristband upon entry
- DJ Miles Morales will be providing music along with an appearance by Stryker
- Ceremony will begin around 12:00 p.m.
- North Hagerstown High School band and choir will be part of the ceremony
- City of Hagerstown Mayor Martinez and Councilmembers will be presenting Aaron Brooks with a Key to the City
- Speakers for the ceremony include elected officials, coaches, educators, family, and Aaron
- Address: 50 W Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
PARKING – **All parking decks will be FREE on Saturday, September 7th**
- Hub City Parking Garage – 50 W Antietam Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
- Arts & Entertainment Parking Deck – 25 Renaissance Way, Hagerstown, MD 21740
- University Plaza Parking Deck – 25 N Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
- Central Parking Lot – 14 N Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
- Street parking
The ceremony will take place rain or shine.
