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IRON MOUNTAIN -- The Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs and the Dickinson County Veterans Board will present its first Veteran of the Year Award at the Veterans Appreciation Picnic on Saturday.
All Dickinson County veterans and their families are invited to the fourth-annual picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Antoine Park in Iron Mountain.
Food will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the pavilion.
"Everything is free for veterans and their families," said Dickinson County Veterans Board member David Stohl, noting the picnic is funded through a Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency grant.
"The first year we hosted a little picnic in the parking lot of the courthouse with 68 people in attendance," said Denise Formolo, Dickinson County Office of Veterans Services co-director. "Last year, we welcomed more than 400 veterans and their families."
The Veteran of the Year Award will be announced about noon.
"The recipient was chosen by the board from anonymous nomination letters," Stohl said.
About 1:30 p.m., they will draw for 20 door prizes valued at roughly $2,000.
"The drawings are for veterans only and they need to be present to win," Stohl said.
The drawings were made possible from the many donations the organization received from local individuals and businesses.
"We thank everyone who contributed to make this a successful picnic and be able to award amazing prizes," Stohl said.
"We have some really nice prizes," Formolo added.
A bounce house will be on the grounds from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children to enjoy during the picnic.
After the picnic, three local bands will provide entertainment from 2:30 to 10 p.m. at the park bandshell.
Taking the stage at 2:30 p.m. is the variety country band Runaway Train of the Hermansville area. Iron Mountain's 141 North will play starting at 5 p.m. Closing out the event will be The Descendants of the Hermansville area playing classic and new rock at 9:30 p.m.
Organizers are excited to have such a great lineup for the event. Stohl noted that band times may change due to weather.
The concert was made possible by three major sponsors: First National Bank & Trust, BOSS Snow Plow and Champion Inc.
"Because the grant was less this year, the board decided to do some fundraising and seek sponsorship to be able to present the concert again this year," Formolo said. "We are very fortunate to live in such a community that cares about their veterans."
Stohl added, "Amazing how many individuals, not just businesses, have reached out to us to support our veterans."
The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 of Iron Mountain will have concessions available after 2:30 p.m. near the bandshell. Menu items include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, brats, hot dogs, Italian sausage patties and corn on the cob. The Post will also have a variety of beverages for attendees.
Funds raised will go to benefit the Legion and the veterans it serves.
About 20 local service organizations will be present with booths providing information on veterans programs they offer.
"It's the perfect opportunity for veterans to get the information at one location, as well as great for the organization reaching a large group at one time," Formolo said, adding, "It really works out well."
Stohl emphasized the picnic itself is for Dickinson County veterans and their families only.
But the overall event is a way for the Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Board to thank both local veterans, with the picnic, and the community as well with the concert.
"We want everyone to come out and enjoy the music to show their support of local veterans," Stohl said.