EASTHAMPTON — When veterans return home from service, they often find that they’ve missed out on valuable family time, and struggle with feelings of isolation that can be hard to reconcile.

With this issue in mind, a new summer tradition is coming to Easthampton with hopes of bringing veterans and their families together for a day of lighthearted fun and connection for years to come.

The first Easthampton Summer Vet Fest is coming to Nonotuck Park on Sunday. In Pavilion Three from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be food, activities and information for veterans and their families. The event is organized by the Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness, which was started in 2023 through a partnership between the city and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Leeds as a way to bring veterans together and foster community-based support.

“A big part of our coalition is to bring veterans and their families together and to do it in a fun atmosphere,” said John Paradis, a U.S. Air Force veteran and community volunteer with the Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness. “Summer Vet Fest is all about connection … there’s something there of interest for any age group.”

Operation Veteran Vacation, a local nonprofit that provides opportunities for veterans and their family members such as kickboxing, mindfulness classes, and outdoor recreation including camping, will be on the grill serving up hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as salads and fresh fruit. They will also host a military-style obstacle course for the youth crowd.

Additionally, a friend of Operation Veteran Vacation, Christopher Bland,  an award-winning chef and owner of Sober Chef Caterers, will be nearby to speak with attendees about his community work.

Paradis said that one of the main goals of this event is to create a “safe, family environment,” where veterans and their family members can all enjoy themselves.

There will be a lineup of activities for children including face painting, a scavenger hunt, a pie-eating contest, games, crafts, and music-making. Kids and families alike can visit an area set aside by the Easthampton-based Warrior’s Art Room to relax by painting, drawing, and exploring sign-ups for their various workshops.

“The whole idea is for veterans to find purpose and activities that bring joy to our lives,” said Paradis, who often goes to the Warrior’s Art Room with his wife to make art and unwind.

The Springfield Thunderbirds will be on the scene providing giveaways, cornhole, and a hockey skills activity area for kids. Special guest Boomer, the Thunderbirds mascot, will be making an appearance from 11 a.m. to noon. There will also be a raffle for a four-pack of Thunderbirds tickets, along with a “50/50 raffle” and a silent auction for donated items from community sponsors, which will help raise funds for the veterans coalition.

Lisa Rudolph from the Boston Hoop Troop will be hula-hooping her way through the event and teaching circus art skills to children and adults with pop-up lessons. In addition, Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, a local nonprofit that places trained therapy dogs in various programs, will have a team of volunteers available to talk about their work.

The VA Mobile Vet Center and Veterans Health Administration will also be at the event, and information will be provided about federal Veterans Affairs, the Springfield Vet Center, and state programs and benefits to help veterans and their families. Easthampton city departments such as the Community Center and Council on Aging will also be in attendance with information on city resources.

The mission of Easthampton’s first Summer Vet Fest goes beyond just one Sunday of fun. Paradis and the rest of the Coalition hope that it will help garner support for expanded events and services moving forward.

“One of the reasons for this event is to raise awareness and raise as much community support as we can to do more events throughout the year,” Paradis said.

The Easthampton Coalition for Veterans Wellness has become known among local veterans for their monthly luncheons, held every first Wednesday at noon at Easthampton Congregational Church, and they hope to provide more opportunities for connection in the future.

Paradis said that the Coalition is looking into conducting community assessments of needs and interests to better determine what additional events and activities would best benefit local veterans and their families.

Easthampton Summer Vet Fest is free to all U.S. military members and veterans of the U.S. military, as well as their invited family members. Entrance to the park to attend the event will also be free, as will the provided lunch. Those planning to attend are encouraged to register at www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-vetfest-2024-tickets-906416033757, or by searching for the Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness “Summer vet Fest 2024” on Eventbrite, as it will help the Coalition determine how much food to provide.

Paradis emphasized that the event would not be possible without the support of community sponsors and donors, which include Operation Veteran Vacation, Easthampton Dunkin’, Big E’s Supermarket, the Pioneer Valley Coalition for Suicide Prevention, and the Helping Hand Society.

For more information, or to learn about donor opportunities and other ways to get involved, reach out to the Coalition at VeteranWellness.Easthampton@gmail.com.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com.