Palisade residents are invited to gather at Palisade Veteran’s Memorial Park this Veterans Day, November 11, for the inaugural Palisade Community Veterans’ Fair. This first-time event, hosted by American Legion Lincoln Post 50, aims to both honor the community’s veterans and inform attendees about the ongoing plans for the Palisade Veterans’ Memorial Community Center. The fair is scheduled to run throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The American Legion Lincoln Post 50 is organizing this new community gathering with the explicit intention of making it an annual fixture in Palisade. Its purpose extends beyond recognition, providing a crucial platform for local residents, including veterans and their families, to understand and engage with the future direction of the Palisade Veterans’ Memorial Community Center. This focus on the community center highlights its importance as a local asset.

The day’s activities will begin early in the morning with a bugle call and the raising of morning colors promptly at 8 a.m., setting a solemn and respectful tone for the observance. The formal ceremonies will conclude in the late afternoon with the retreat and call to evening colors, scheduled for 4:59 p.m. These traditional military ceremonies mark the start and end of the official proceedings.

Following the morning's ceremonial start, the fair will transition into a more casual atmosphere for the afternoon. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., the park will feature a variety of attractions. Attendees can explore offerings from numerous vendors and enjoy meals from several food trucks. For families, a petting zoo will also be open during these hours, adding an element of entertainment for all ages. Adding to the community spirit, the Palisade Lions Club will be on site, generously providing free hot dogs and chili dogs to attendees.

A central component of the fair, available throughout the entire day, will be an information booth hosted by the Save Palisade Veterans’ Memorial Center Committee. This booth is set up to provide direct updates and details regarding the future of the Palisade Veterans’ Memorial Community Center. It offers a direct channel for community members to learn about the plans and discuss the preservation or development of this important local facility. The committee's presence underscores the event's dual mission of honoring service and engaging on local infrastructure.

Event organizers anticipate this fair will become a significant annual occasion, reinforcing Palisade's commitment to its veteran community and its local facilities. For those who wish to learn more about the Palisade Community Veterans’ Fair or the efforts surrounding the Veterans’ Memorial Community Center, specific contacts have been provided. Greg Schleck can be reached by phone at 757-298-8307 or by email at [email protected]. Additionally, Rick Fox is available for inquiries at 970-314-5340 or via email at [email protected]. These contacts are available for any questions regarding the event or its objectives.