The Southern Kenai Peninsula Annual Veterans Picnic was held Oct. 9. Approximately 130 people attended even though it was a cloudy/windy/wet day. The picnic was opened by the presentation of the American Flag and Pledge of Allegiance by the Junior American Legion Auxiliary members Violet and Lulu.

The Legion Riders Dan (Homer), Richard Crook (Post 1, Anchorage, and Sons of American Legion) and John (Homer) manned the grill (yes, in their rain jackets). Thanks, guys. Ron and Debbie organized the kitchen, cooks and serving line. Vicky and Paula served the food. Pam, Jan, Betty and Racheal were at the registration table and handed out door prize tickets and a poppy.

A special thank you goes to Debbie Anderson for approaching businesses in Homer to donate door prizes for the picnic. Debbie, Terry, and Anita drew tickets and handed out door prizes at the picnic. Peggy and Heather helped in many areas and were my floaters for the day including cleanup. Mary Huff made our baked beans. Glenda made 20 pounds of potato salad and Lee made 10 pounds of potato salad and chili verde. Numerous auxiliary members made cookies and brownies. Ribs, hamburgers and hot dogs and all the trimmings were all served inside. Glenda and the Junior girls entertained the children and handed out balloons and door prizes to those who attended.

For entertainment, there was good music by Andre Drake and the 8-Mile Band — thanks to all of you.

Alaine Lagasse and Kimberly Haviland from the Kenai Veterans Center (Red Diamond Mall) were present to answer questions. Sorry, the clinic did not make it to give flu shots; this was a last-minute cancellation.

The VAVS Picnic Committee and Homer American Legion Auxiliary would like to thank the following organizations for their monetary donations: Kachemak Bay Marines, Emblem Club, Homer Legion Riders, and Legion Auxiliary Unit 18 Ninilchik. Thanks to the American Legion Post 16 for use of the building and barbecue wagon and clean-up the day before.

Thank you to following businesses: Sav-U-More, McNeil Canyon Meats and Safeway for their gift certificates for groceries. Thank you to the following for door prizes: Art Shop Gallery, Alyeska Tire, Barbs Video, Bay Club, Bear Creek Winery, Boardwalk Fish and Chips, Carolines, Captain Patties Fish House, Caribou Family Restaurant, Carquest of Homer, Central Charters, City of Homer Community Rec, Cosmic Kitchen, Fat Olives, Fish Connection, Forget-Me-Not-Flowers, Fresh Stop Burrito, Healing Hands Massage, Home Run Oil, Homer Book Store, Homer Animal Friends, Homer Brewing Co., Homer Inn and Spa, Homer’s Jeans, Homer News, Homer Shores, Inlet Charters, Juneberry Lodge, Kachemak Gear Shed, Kharacters, Killick Brew, Legends, Lindianne’s, Lisa Ann Grooming, NAPA, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Salty Dawg, Salty Girls, Scruggs, Sea Glo Spa, SBS, Spots Shed, Tangles, Alibi, Bagel Shop, Grog Shop, Hair Gallery, Tire Town, Two Sisters, Ulmer’, Wells Fargo Bank and Wilderness Garden Day Spa.

To the 130-plus veterans and their families that attended we hope you had an enjoyable day and come back again next year (bring sunshine!). To those who did not make it, see you next year.

The committee had a fun time organizing the picnic and if we missed thanking somebody we are sorry and thank you also.

Darlene Sheldon

VAVS Picnic Chairman