A banner welcomed veterans and their families to the annual picnic at a previous year’s gathering. Photo by Elise Spleiss

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637’s new partners, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the GFWC Citrus Heights Women’s Club are collaborating to host the 10th Veterans Family Picnic on April 18.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rusch Park Gazebo Pavilion Picnic Area at 7801 Auburn Blvd. All Citrus Heights active and retired veterans and their families are invited to attend.

Lunch will be the traditional hot dog and hamburger barbeque by Wade’s BBQ with all the fixings. An assortment of desserts will be served. Many resources for veterans will be available for attendees to visit. Purple Pageant Princesses will be creating their well-known face painting artwork for kids and adults alike.

Look for games, activities and projects for all provided by the DAR General John A. Sutter Chapter. The Citrus Heights Women’s Club will be handing out children’s fun-filled goodie bags to each family.

Scheduled information and resource booths include Gold Star Moms, Citrus Heights Veterans Center Readjustment Counseling, Jakes Journey Home Community Assist Center, Stars and Stripes Dog Rescue & Training Center, Learning to Thrive empowerment program, Juan Unified School District Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program, Walmart and other local community businesses and non-profits providing services to the military. A Gold Star presentation is planned.

Keynote speaker will be Carol Spiker, co-originator of the first picnic. In the spring of 2010 Spiker, then president of the Citrus Heights Women’s Club and others realized the veterans of their city had no “home of their own”, especially the younger returning men and women. There was no established place where they could meet to talk with others who understand their unique concerns.

Although that dream was not realized this event continues to bring veterans and their families together once a year for good food and fun for the kids, camaraderie and many veterans resources.

Special thanks to Sunrise Marketplace for their support and donations towards the event.

Mark your calendar for the American Legion’s Battle of the Bands and BBQ fundraiser event on Sept. 12. All proceeds go to the American Legion Vets Helping Vets program.