Salute to Veterans, a free community celebration, to be held this Saturday

COSTA MESA (Nov. 5, 2019) – OC Fair & Event Center and Orange County Employees Association will host a free community celebration this weekend, Salute to Veterans, in honor of Veterans Day.

• When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
• How much: Free admission (food drive donation appreciated!)

The event will include free hot dogs for all attendees, family-friendly activities, entertainment and a Veterans Resource Fair. Opening ceremonies for the event will include a city address by Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley.

Emmy-Award winning newscaster Ed Arnold will help emcee a dedication and unveiling of the A-4M Skyhawk Aircraft at 11 a.m. in front of Heroes Hall. The aircraft was relocated last month from the Civic Center in Santa Ana. Representatives from the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation will join former A-4M Skyhawk pilots in the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The event will also feature a plaque dedication for Thomas P. Clark, Jr. in the Heroes Hall Walk of Honor, as well as a cake cutting ceremony with the United States Marines in honor of the 244th U.S. Marine Corps birthday.

While the event and parking is free for everyone, guests are encouraged to bring donations for the food drive for veterans. All donations will go to Disabled American Veterans, a group that distributes to various organizations that help homeless veterans. Please bring non-perishable food items such as canned and instant soups, pastas, canned fruits and vegetables, baby food, or gift cards to purchase food. Also accepted: toiletries such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo and toilet paper, as well as baby items like diapers, bottles and clothing.

During the event, Heroes Hall will be open for self-guided tours, featuring the newest exhibit, Fighting on the Home Front: Propaganda Posters of World War II. The veterans museum is open year-round and also features the exhibit The SAAAB Story, which chronicles the history of the Santa Ana Army Airbase.

The celebration will continue until 4 p.m. with free admission to the OC Market Place, located near Heroes Hall.