Butler VA To Host Summer VET Fest & Veteran Creative Arts Festival

Butler — Butler VA Health Care System will be hosting a Summer VET Fest & Veteran Creative Arts Festival on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 12 pm-4 pm (EST) at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center located at 353 North Duffy Road, Butler, PA 16001. Veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors, and interested community members are invited to join us to view Veteran artwork exhibits as well as learn more about programs and services available to Veterans.

“There will be something for everyone at this event,” comments event coordinator, Karen Dunn, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program Manager. “The event combines the annual Summer Healthy Living Event, Creative Arts Festival, and Veteran Community Partnership Resource Fair into one main event offering attendees greater opportunity to learn, engage, and support artisan Veterans.”

The event will feature:

· National Anthem performed by Ms. PA Military Star 2025, Sarah Dailey

· C-17 flyover by the 911th Airlift Wing at 12 noon

· Flag line and drive through by the American Legion Riders

· Fire extinguisher training by the Butler VA Fire Department

· “Artists in Action” demonstrations with artists Tom Panei, Christine Steele and Marianne Hilke

· Reiki by Mystic Angels

· Farmers Market by Brenckle’s Farm & Greenhouses

· Information Fair on programs and services available to Veterans through the VA and Veteran Community Partners

· Free hot dog lunch compliments of the American Legion Post 778 and Harmony-Evans City VFW Post 499 Auxiliaries, and the Center for Community Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE)

· Veteran Creative Arts Festival

Veterans who are not enrolled in the VA health care system are encouraged to use this occasion to start their enrollment journey. Veterans are to bring a copy of their DD-214 and meet with an enrollment team member.  More information on eligibility can be found at www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility or by calling Butler VA’s enrollment team at 800-362-8262.

The Creative Art Festival features artwork submitted by Veterans for the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. The artwork will be on display inside the Abie Abraham VA Health Care center. Attendees are encouraged to view the submissions and vote for the local “People’s Choice Awards.” Finalists from the local competition will advance to the national level where they will compete with entries submitted by Veterans nationwide. The competition is an annual event that provides Veterans receiving treatment at VA facilities the opportunity to participate in creative self-expression in art, creative writing, dance, drama, and music as part of their therapy and to gain recognition for their artistic accomplishments. First-place winners from the national competition will be invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival held in Columbia, South Carolina, June 2026.

“This year marks our 5th year in hosting the Veterans Creative Arts Festival. We have seen increased participation over the years to include 1st place winners every year. We are excited to see the diverse submissions from the talented Veterans within our community,” states Karen Dunn.

Veterans interested in submitting an entry, or for more information about the event, are asked to call Karen Dunn at 878-271-6484. For more information about health care programs and services provided by the Butler VA Health Care System, please visit our website at www.va.gov/butler-health-care.