Hornell Elks Lodge 354 is rolling out the red carpet for veterans and their families this month with a free summer-time event at a popular Steuben County park.
The Elks are partnering with the Veterans One-Stop Center for a 12-County Veteran and Family Picnic, from noon to 4 p.m., July 20, at Kanakadea Park just outside the City of Hornell.
Organizers are expecting a large gathering for this old-fashioned picnic in the park featuring free food, live music and games, along with information and resources for veterans and their families.
A $1,000 Elks Freedom grant was the original impetus for the picnic, according to Hornell Elks Lodge organizer Valorie Whitehill.
Teaming with Veterans One-Stop provided additional resources and the scope of the picnic expanded further thanks to area organizations and businesses pitching in, Whitehill said.
All told, the "Freedom Festival" − as the 12-County Picnic is also being billed − has grants and support totaling more than $8,000.
“Veterans One-Stop is a huge asset. They are the ones who made this as big as it is going to be," Whitehill said.
12-County Veteran & Family Picnic: Stearns barbecue, games, resources
Picnic goers will enjoy Stearns chicken barbecue and desserts at no cost, while free children's activities will include face painting and an obstacle bounce house sponsored by the National Guard.
The Hornell VFW will sponsor live musical performances by "Poke the Bear" along with "DJ Broadway Bushie."
Event vendors are geared to veteran themes and include service organizations, public agencies and local groups and businesses.
How to sign up for 12-County Veterans picnic at Kanakadea Park
All U.S. service veterans, be they active duty, retired, reserves or National Guard, are invited to attend but pre-registration is required. There are three ways to register: online, by calling 716-898-0110 or by scanning the event's QR code.
Be sure to bring your veterans ID or driver’s license with veteran status.
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If the picnic is full, individuals will be notified by email and have the option to be put on a waiting list in the event space becomes available. Those on the waiting list will receive first consideration and priority for participation in future scheduling of the event.
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