MONSON — Monson’s Veterans Services Department is hosting its inaugural Veterans Fall Festival on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Field, 110 Main St.
With financial support from the town of Monson and multiple local businesses, the festival is designed to highlight the resources and support available to Monson veterans and their families, Veterans Service Officer Michelle Murdock told Reminder Publishing.
“Veterans and their families need to know the amount of support [that] is available to them,” she emphasized, stating that the festival was an opportunity for organizations to “share how they can help the veterans and their families in supporting them through the different stages of their lives.”
Monson’s Veterans Fall Festival will feature tables from 21 organizations, including Building Bridges, the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Operation Camp, The Salvation Army, Tunnels to Towers and the Western Massachusetts Veteran Service Officer Association.
While other towns host similar festivals during the summer, Murdock noted that she felt that the season of fall was a “such a beautiful time of the year” to have the event. She estimated that the event could expect 250-500 visitors. The event is also free for visitors and participating organizations.
A pumpkin painting activity and a bounce house will also be offered at the event. Food will be available throughout the day with morning breakfast served through coffee and donuts from Dunkin’ as well as apple cider, apples and apple cider donuts from Echo Hill Orchards and Winery, Murdock stated.
At lunchtime, visitors can listen to live music while enjoying hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, popcorn, soda and water, Murdock said. Supporting organizations also include Adams Hometown Markets, Beth’s Family Dining, Monson Savings Bank, Richard R. Green Insurance Agency Inc., Sunoco Gas Station, The Better Bean and Woodbine Country Store.
The event will also welcome special guests state Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow), Jason Main of the Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association and Justin Holcomb of Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The inaugural Veterans Fall Festival is one of multiple events that Murdock discussed with Reminder Publishing when she first became the town’s veterans service officer in July. She highlighted then that her goal was to raise awareness on available resources for local veterans in Monson and connect them through events. In addition to the Veterans Fall Festival, the Monson Veterans Services Department also hosts a monthly free luncheon on the third Friday of each month.
For more information or updates on the festival, visit the Town of Monson Veterans’ Service Department Facebook page at facebook.com/MonsonVeteranService. Murdock also encouraged residents to reach out to her directly with questions. She can be reached by phone at 413-267-4100, ext. 8, or 413-333-7008 as well as by email at mmurdock@monson-ma.gov.
