Veterans Appreciation Picnic scheduled for Sept. 30

SALT POINT —  Dutchess County will host its second annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Camp Nooteeming. 

Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil and Adam Roche, director of the county’s Division of Veterans Services, are hosting the picnic this year. 

“Last year’s picnic was a brainstorm of our Veterans Services Director Adam Roche and former County Executive Marc Molinaro about continuing to enhance our Veterans Services and add additional events to show our gratitude to local veterans,” said Colleen Pillus, Dutchess County’s communications director. 

The event is open to local veterans, who can bring one guest each to enjoy “an afternoon of comradery.” Local band StringMasters will be playing from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Food will be catered by Tavern 23 from noon to 2 p.m.  

“The first picnic was a huge success with over 400+ veterans and their loved ones in attendance,” said Pillus, “and we are confident this year will be even better. We changed the event from August to September as, last year, it was very hot and we are hoping for slightly cooler temperatures.” 

The picnic is only possible because local businesses and volunteers are helping out. Tavern 23, the County’s Office for the Aging, Associates Golf and Utility Vehicles, IHeart Media Radio personality “Uncle Mike” Hanson and Mental Health America of Dutchess County’s Vet2Vet program are all partnering with veterans to make the event worthwhile. 

“It is important to show our appreciation to the men and women who have risked their lives for our freedoms,” Pillus said. “This picnic is one of the ways to show to show our unwavering gratitude.” 

Registration is required as space is limited and can be submitted at dutchessny.gov/veteranspicnic. The reservation deadline for the picnic is Friday, Sept. 22.