The band Tony Barge and the Honky Tonk Heroes plays during the second day of the Family Freedom Festival in Evans City on Sunday, July 21. William Pitts/Butler Eagle

EVANS CITY — Veterans and their families packed Harmony/Evans City Veterans of Foreign War Post 499 for the second annual Family Freedom Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21.

The centerpiece of the event was a classic car and bike cruise Sunday. The event also featured a dunk tank, a beer garden, a children’s bike parade, and plenty of live music, including Tony Barge and the Honky Tonk Heroes, who were the headline act on day two.

The event also served as a fundraiser for the post, which took donations throughout both days of the event. Proceeds from the event went to the local Guitars for Vets program, as well as the Colonial Gardens guest house in Butler.

VFW commander Jack Skelly said they raised “about $10,000” for local veterans at the first event last year.

The event also raised money through raffles — both a 50/50 raffle which gave away $235 on the first day, and multiple basket raffles which gave away prizes such as a DeWalt power tool set and two custom-made Afghan blankets.

Skelly said they aren’t looking to raise money to a specific amount.

“Whatever we get is more than we had yesterday, so we’re good,” Skelly said.

Bob Lucas of Harmony/Evans City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 499 sits over a dunk tank waiting for the next challenger during the second day of the Family Freedom Festival in Evans City on Sunday, July 21. William Pitts/Butler Eagle