Easthampton veteran celebration Vet Fest set for Sept. 19
The Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness is hosting its third annual gathering at Nonotuck Park, featuring food, resources, and activities for military families.
EASTHAMPTON — Vet Fest will return to Nonotuck Park on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for its third year of celebrating military service members, veterans, and their families. The free event features food, activities, games, and information sessions aimed at connecting the local veteran community and their families from Easthampton and surrounding areas.
Organized by the Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness in partnership with Operation Veteran Vacation, the day also provides veterans with information about benefits and resources available to them. The coalition began in 2023 through a partnership between the city of Easthampton and the VA Medical Center in Leeds.
Heather Rudolph, a coalition member, said the group started with monthly veterans' luncheons before Vet Fest grew naturally from that foundation. "We wanted to create a larger event where veterans, military families, friends and the broader community could come together in a relaxed, family-friendly setting," Rudolph said.
The event aims to build connection across generations of veterans. Rudolph emphasized that younger veterans who served after 9/11 sometimes feel disconnected from the established veteran community and may not know what resources are available to them. "If we can reach them in a setting that feels welcoming, family-friendly and fun, we have a much better opportunity to make that initial connection," she said.
Information booths will feature the VA, the Springfield Vet Center, state veteran benefit programs, the Central Hampshire County Veteran Engagement Team, and local veteran service officers. The Easthampton Fire and Police departments will attend with a ladder truck and K9 demonstration.
Free lunch will be served. Children's activities include games, arts and crafts, pumpkin painting provided by Fletcher Farms, and a military-style inflatable obstacle course organized by Operation Veteran Vacation. Bright Spot Therapy Dogs will also participate in the event. Those interested can register on Facebook to help organizers plan, though registration is not required to attend.