BY JENNY DIVELEY
diveleys@taylornews.org

HAVANA — It was 10 years ago that a few people from a small town decided that they too should have some sort of community event, and in turn the idea developed for the town of Havana to host their own Veteran’s Day Celebration each year. The celebration this year will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Organizers are encouraging area residents to attend and help celebrate the lives of America’s veterans. A parade, kids’ games, live entertainment, prizes, and vendors will all be on hand in Havana to help honor, remember, and thank the veterans and their families.

The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Veterans Parade, including a special trailer for veterans to ride on. Those who would like to ride should arrive at 9 a.m.

Following the parade will be a flag ceremony and the singing of the national anthem at the city park.

Tables in the park will be open before the parade and will reopen immediately after the national anthem.  Veterans in attendance should register at one of the tables where they will receive a patch and their name will also be entered in a drawing for door prizes.  Tickets are also going to be sold for a chance on a 32” LCD TV, a quarter beef donated by Cross C Ranch, or a quilt made by Judy Wade. Tickets will sell for one for $1 or six for $5.  There will also be a silent auction, with bidding stopping at 3:30 p.m.

Starting off the live entertainment will be Randy Mellen and Roger Benning, among other acts throughout the day.

There will be kids’ games, craft tables and booths, and vendors in the park throughout the day, with “money in the haystack” game at 10:30 a.m.

Lunch will be served by free-will donation and will include either a smoked dinner provided by Cross C Ranch or smoked pork and ranch style beans made by Art Wade.

Pony pulls will begin at 1 p.m., just north of the park.  Retro Rockerz will be performing from 2-4 p.m.  The dessert auction will begin at 4 p.m., and the drawings will wrap up the day.

All area residents are encouraged to attend this special day in Havana. For more information, call Jennifer Hodges at 620-330-6108.