Greg Dohler/The Gazette Connie Lattin (left) of Gaithersburg looks on as her grandson, Caiden Reyes, 3, gets a high-five from comic book super hero Captain America Saturday during Hero Day at Adventure Park USA in New Market. In addition to fictional heroes, the event featured real-life "unsung heroes," including firefighters and police officers.

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Greg Dohler/The Gazette Lisa Lessin (right), a volunteer recruiter with Frederick County Fire and Rescue, gives fire prevention stickers to Christopher, 6, (center) and Sarah Dickey, 5, of Hagerstown Saturday during Hero Day at Adventure Park USA in New Market. The event featured appearances by firefighters and police officers, as well as by fictional comic book super heroes.
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Greg Dohler/The Gazette Maryland State Police trooper Jesse Hartsock of the Frederick Barrack shows the flashing lights of his cruiser to Julian Estabrook, 8, of Point of Rocks Saturday during Hero Day at Adventure Park USA in New Market. The purpose of the event was to honor real-life "unsung heroes", including firefighters and military personnel. Fictional comic book heroes were also featured.

Greg Dohler/The Gazette Connie Lattin (left) of Gaithersburg looks on as her grandson, Caiden Reyes, 3, gets a high-five from comic book super hero Captain America Saturday during Hero Day at Adventure Park USA in New Market. In addition to fictional heroes, the event featured real-life "unsung heroes," including firefighters and police officers.

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Dressed as his favorite superhero, Captain America, 3-year-old Brady Cahill of Frederick stood in line waiting to meet the real man himself.

It was Brady’s dream to shake hands and pose for pictures with his most beloved superhero at Adventure Park USA in New Market today.

“We’ve been looking forward to it,” said Brady’s aunt, Jessica Adekanmbi of Frederick. “He loves Captain America.”

Brady and his cousin, Zavier Adekanmbi, who came outfitted as Iron Man, were not alone.

Families and children packed into Adventure Park today, meeting and shaking hands with three well-known superheroes — Batman, Captain America and Iron Man. Many of the preschool-age children paid homage to their favorite heroes by coming dressed in costumes, t-shirts and makeup.

It was all part of Adventure Park’s Hero Day, a salute to America’s unsung heroes, which included firefighters, police and the three superheroes. The day started with a special breakfast, followed by a free meet-and-greet with the characters. Discounts on park attraction passes and food were also offered as part of the celebration.

“We do this [type of event] all the time,” said Lisa Lessin, with the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. “We go out and educate the public in addition to fighting fires and saving lives.”

Lt. Josh Laird, with Frederick County Fire and Rescue, said he was busy meeting families with young children. “We meet and greet them and give them information on fire prevention,” he said.

Each child was given a red, plastic fireman’s hat and the opportunity to climb onto a fire truck.

Wearing his hat, 3-year-old Alexander Berson of Elkridge, was fascinated with the equipment stored on the New Market Volunteer Fire Company truck. As he closely examined the hoses and hammers, his mom, Nicole Berson, and her 17-month-old daughter Addison Berson, stood near by. Addison was more than happy to play with her hat.

“Whatever Alex likes she likes,” Nicole said.

And, after meeting up a favorite superhero or a local firefighter, families and children got to look inside a Maryland State Police helicopter.

“We’re here to show the stuff off,” said Trooper Scott Ciccarelli. “We’ve been showing the stuff off to a lot of people. They all love it.”

sgreenfield@gazette.net.