The Kentucky Bloodhound Search and Rescue and KY K9 Search and Reunite groups are working together to host the “Song for the Missing” event this Saturday, June 9, in Elizabethtown, in order to raise awareness for missing persons in Kentucky.

The event, which will be held from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. EST (11 a.m. until 5p.m. CST), is free to the public, and will take place at the Freeman Lake Bandstand. According to KBSAR President, Gary Meredith, the event has the goal of providing entertainment while also heightening awareness for Kentucky’s missing persons.

“There are currently approximately 300 people in our state missing, and that includes runaways,” Meredith said.

KBSAR and KYK9 are both all-volunteer groups, who work with area Emergency Management Services personnel to assist in locating missing persons.

The groups also “do demonstrations and public awareness events at schools and different facilities,” according to Meredith. The “Song for the Missing” concert will mark the first time the group has used the approach of offering free entertainment to encourage people to attend and help get the word out.

In addition to speakers, which include family members of past and present missing persons, several area musicians have donated their time to provide music for the event.

Performing musicians include the Junell Street Band, members of the band Vinal, and the Harold Hutchins Band.

“Basically,” Meredith explained, “we’re just trying to get as many people together as we can, and raise awareness.”

If anyone is interested in volunteering their time with either of the groups, they can feel free to contact Meredith, who said they can always use volunteers who are “dedicated and, of course, like dogs.” Potential volunteers could lay trails, work with dogs, or help with public relations, etc.

For more information on this event or to ask about volunteering your time, call (502) 905-1266 or email hardink9@comcast.net. The group’s website, www.kybloodhound.org is also another good source of information, though it is currently under construction.