In honor of Veterans Day, several special events and fundraisers are planned in or around Greater Gainesville. Check out these upcoming activities to support our local heroes.
Veterans Day Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park
Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, 10:00 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Park, 7400 SW 41st Place, Gainesville
Alachua County Veteran Services in collaboration with area Veterans organizations, businesses and not-for-profits will host this free event to honor the Veteran community. All are welcome to come and join and honor our nation’s heroes and enjoy skydivers, displays, music and demonstrations. Formal program begins at 11 a.m.
Give Thanks Music Festival: A Salute To Our Veterans
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Homestead Park, 1050 Northeast 6th Boulevard, Williston
This free event will honor and celebrate the brave men, women and families who have fought and sacrificed for our liberty and freedom, with a distinguished keynote speaker recognizing our local heroes. The festival will include food and craft vendors, a kid’s zone and live music.
Bikers on Parade: Remembering Those Who Served & Sacrificed
Sunday Nov. 13, 2022, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Santa Fe College; 3000 Northwest 83rd St., Gainesville
This is a community fundraiser to support our heroes. Each paying motorcycle rider and passenger receives a t-shirt. Tickets are $25 – $35.
Never Give Up On Country, Travis Mills Foundation Benefit Concert
Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
World Equestrian Center; 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala
The concert features patriotic performances by Chris McNeil, Kidd G, Colt Ford and Jimmie Allen and a block party with food trucks and a parachute show. The event benefits the Travis Mills Foundation, whose mission is to support recalibrated veterans and their families through various programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation. Tickets range from $77.50 – $202.50.
Did you know Florida has the third largest veteran population in the nation? Greater Gainesville veterans can enjoy special perks at the following local businesses.
Kanapaha Gardens – Free Admission for Veterans
Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Kanapaha Gardens; 4700 SW 58th Drive, Gainesville
The Kanapaha Gardens in Gainesville is celebrating Veterans Day by inviting active or retired military to the Gardens free of charge on Friday, Nov. 11. The garden is a 68-acre facility comprised of 24 major plant collections visible from a 1.5-mile paved walkway. The collection includes the state’s largest public display of bamboo and the largest herb garden in the Southeast.
Florida Museum of Natural History
Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
University of Florida Cultural Plaza; 3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville
The Florida Museum of Natural History is offering free admission to veterans on Veterans Day, which includes the Butterfly Rainforest and Science Up Close: Fantastic Fossils. The museum is located at the University of Florida campus and offers veterans a 10% discount on ticket prices all year round.
Applebee’s – Veteran’s Day Free Meal
Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
1005 NW 13th St. & 7441 W. Newberry Road, Gainesville
Applebee’s is offering a free meal to all active-duty or retired military on Veterans Day.
Chicken Salad Chick – Veteran’s Day Free Meal
Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
4062 Plaza Boulevard Suite 20, Gainesville
Chicken Salad Chick is offering a free meal to all active-duty or retired military on Veterans Day.
By Jennifer Kennedy