Second Summer Vet Fest returns to Easthampton this weekend

EASTHAMPTON — Veterans, friends and family are welcome to the second Summer Vet Fest on Sunday, an opportunity to enjoy a day of summer fun with free food, activities and the opportunity to connect with the Easthampton veteran community.

The Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness partnered with Operation Veteran Vacation (OVV) to organize the free event. The fest will be held at Pavilion 3 in Nonotuck Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Last year we didn’t know what to expect since it was the first year and we probably had around 200 to 250 people based on the amount of food that got consumed,” said Ken Blanchard, treasurer of the coalition. “We’re hoping that we get about the same.”

Blanchard and the other coalition members emphasized the fest is about creating connections for veterans through engagement. Friends and family will be able to relish in a variety of barbecue-style food including hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, popcorn, sweet treats and more. Activities include arts and crafts, backyard games, and children will be able to play in the bounce house, challenge themselves on a military-style obstacle course and have the opportunity to meet the Springfield Thunderbirds mascot “Boomer.”

The event is open to any U.S. military member or veteran of U.S. military service and their guests through online registration on the website Eventbrite, under the title, “Summer Vet Fest 2025.” Visitors can enter a 50/50 raffle or purchase a T-shirt, with all proceeds supporting the coalition.

Formed in 2023, the Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness partnered with the city of Easthampton and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Leeds to bring veterans together through community-based support and action. Since then, community members and stakeholders have rallied behind the coalition to help support their mission to provide services to veterans.

President of the coalition and veteran, Heather Rudolph, got an unexpected start to the coalition, just by joining its mailing list.

“I thought to myself, ‘this is my opportunity to get involved with helping other veterans as a veteran myself,’” said Rudolph about her work with the coalition. “It felt really important to me and it still is and always will be.”

Since Rudolf joined, she has helped the coalition host frequent luncheons for veterans, giving the community a space to enjoy food and connect while talking about old and new times.

“What’s nice about Vet Fest is if you come on your own, that’s fine, if you bring your family, that’s fine,” said coalition member Elizabeth Plouffe. “It’s open to any and all generations. There’s something for everybody … Even if you go and don’t know anyone, chances are you are going to see somebody from the community that you have connected with.”

The community-driven event is funded through multiple local sponsors and donors including OVV, the Helping Hand Society, Dunkin’ Donuts and Big E’s Supermarket who offered discounts on the food that will be served at the event. Members from the Easthampton Fire Department will be in attendance volunteering to help serve food.

The coalition noted the Vet Fest offers an opportunity to bridge the gap between younger and older generations of families with veterans.

Peggy Sabine, Coalition vice president, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for veterans to connect through in-person interaction.

“You can see the posture change, you can see that connection and action when they find others who understand because that’s what it’s about,” said Sabine. “Vets understand vets.”

Additionally, multiple veteran resource organizations will be in attendance providing information on the coalition, VA, Springfield Vet Center, Central Hampshire Veterans’ Services, and state benefits and programs.

“As a veteran myself, I am passionate about advocating for those who have served, particularly those who may be facing challenges,” said Rudolph in an email to the Gazette. “Our coalition is deeply committed to improving the lives of local veterans, and this event is a reflection of that mission.”

Sam Ferland can be reached at sferland@gazettenet.com