Clarion County Veterans Picnic Set for Aug. 16th

CLARION — Clarion County veterans of military service and their spouses are invited to attend this year’s Clarion County Veterans Picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 16 at Clarion County Park near Shippenville. The picnic is free and open to all county veterans.

Caregivers and minor children of veterans are also welcome. Also invited are widows of veterans and non-county veterans who are members of Clarion County-based veterans service organizations (with proof of membership).

“This an opportunity for veterans of all ages, all eras and branches to spend a few hours with their brothers and sisters in arms, share some experiences and tell a few stories,” said Clarion County Director of Veterans Affairs Rodney L. Sherman. “There will be music, food, drawings and representatives from other veteran services such as Butler VMAC and other agencies geared toward veteran services.”

The event is held under the large “Veterans Pavilion” at the park. There is plenty of seating and nearby parking.

“Numerous VFW and American Legion posts and other social groups and individuals and businesses throughout the county donated money toward the food and door prizes,” said Sherman. “The Clarion County Civil Air Patrol cadets are handling color guard duties and assisting with parking. The Liberty House Restaurant from the Clarion VFW post is catering the event. The Clarion American Legion Post is sponsoring The Meadows frozen custard desserts.”

Sherman said the entire event is paid for through donations.

“Donations were down a little bit this year, but those donations that did come in were generous and very much appreciated,” said Sherman. “The picnic fund is strong enough to provide the great food and door prizes for our county veterans as it has in the past.”

Volunteers from the county and Burns Funeral Home plan on helping with the cooking of the hotdogs and hamburgers.

Veterans who have signed up for the annual invitation mailing should have already received their postcards. County veterans who attend the picnic should make sure they sign up for next year’s mailing.

The park is located at 100 Clarion County Park, Shippenville, Pa., 16254.