Last year's Battle of the Bands and BBQ raised money for veterans and to honor a late Marine. Photo by Chris Jones

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The eighth annual Battle of the Bands and BBQ, hosted by American Legion Post 637, will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Historic Rusch Home and Gardens, located at 7301 Antelope Road, Citrus Heights.

This year’s event will pay tribute to the 761 brave Californians who lost their lives during the Global War on Terror from Sept. 11, 2001 to Aug. 30, 2021 in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The annual Battle of the Bands and BBQ family-friendly event is a fantastic way to support the “Vets Helping Vets” program, which successfully assisted 26 veterans last year through the efforts of American Legion Post 637, according to event organizers.

Enjoy an afternoon filled with music from up to four local bands and barbecue from competing vendors, and cast your vote for your favorites while making a difference in the lives of veterans in the community. Three of the four bands are the Citrus Heights Marching Band, Mojo Jones and the Stone River Revival Band.

Originally established as a fundraiser to assist veterans, the Battle of the Bands and BBQ has become a beloved tradition. With a beer garden and a kids’ bounce house, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 13, with an opening ceremony at 11:15 a.m. to honor the fallen Californians. General admission is $43.45 and free for children 12 and under with a paid adult admission. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-battle-of-the-bands-and-bbq-tickets-1306050384859.