VFW event bringing fun to Evans City for veteran fundraiser
A free weekend-long event in Evans City will help the borough’s VFW contribute financially to veterans organizations in the area.
The fourth annual Freedom Festival, hosted by the VFW Auxiliary Post 499, takes place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22 and 23, near the post, 408 N. Washington St., Evans City. The event brings to town live music, a horde of food trucks and vendors, raffles, and a dunk tank that will give people the chance to drop a local person into a bucket of water.
Nancy Petshot, auxiliary president and secretary and president of District 25, said there also will be a focus on military procedure, with members of the Zelienople American Legion presenting the colors and a flag folding ceremony planned. She said military veterans who attend will also be treated.
“We’ll have a free lunch for veterans from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday,” Petshot said.
The bands performing Saturday are returning act Redneck Romeo and Dirty Shirley, appearing at the Freedom Festival for the first time. There will be a DJ playing music Sunday. Petshot said the entertainment acts are appearing for free.
There also will be a car cruise that takes place throughout the duration of the event Sunday.
Guitars for Vets also will have a presence at the festival, in addition to Colonial Gardens Guest House for Men, and the VA Butler Healthcare Homeless Veterans and Arts Initiatives.
According to Petshot, one of the highlights of the event is the corn-eating contest Saturday afternoon. There are divisions for adults and children for this competitive event. Petshot said the corn is all locally grown.
The event takes place from noon until 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22; and from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23. Petshot said a schedule of events is available on the VFW Post’s Facebook page.
