By Cara Pattison
Contributing Writer
Thousands of visitors are going to converge in Piedmont this May to show their unwavering support for the red, white and blue and her loyal veterans.
The Piedmont Area Veterans Association, or PAVA, is hosting VetsFest 2022 from noon to 7 p.m. on May 14. The star-spangled event will be held at 240 Edmond Road NW on the north side of the Piedmont High School football stadium.
This one-day event is being hosted to honor veterans and to promote veteran-owned businesses from across the Oklahoma City metro area, Marine Corps veteran and PAVA Board Member Josh Cain said.
“VetsFest is a grand idea about us taking time to celebrate veterans and support veterans with small businesses. Our hope is that those veterans who have transitioned out of military can get support for their economic situation. The military is a very stable environment, and now they’re venturing out on their own.
Veteran business owners get the benefit of the crowd and visitors. They get a free opportunity to promote their business and sell their goods and services. We want to bring in thousands of people to support these entrepreneurs.”
Not just a Piedmont event, VetsFest is being promoted across the state via radio, social media and print advertisements.
The event will kick-off on May 13 with a free business coaching session for veterans with small businesses.
“The Thursday evening before the event, we are hosting a complimentary educational class for veteran business owners on how to effectively run a business. The folks from the Oklahoma Veteran’s Affairs are going to put on an abbreviated version of their Boots to Suits program.”
The next day, attendees will be treated to a variety of military festivities, such as a color guard ceremony with the national anthem. PAVA is also working on coordinating a military fly-over with the Air Force.
“In addition, PAVA has invited a variety of bands, including headliner Atlantis Aquarius – a band with a ‘70’s retro feel,” Cain added. “While the music is rockin’, visitors will be treated to over 30 vendors, food trucks, games, and the ability to mix and mingle with veteran-owned small businesses.”
PAVA is a civic organization of both veterans and non-veterans, whose purpose is to continue the example of those who served America by serving our community. Throughout the year, PAVA raises funds to support local causes for individual and community needs. Additionally, PAVA seeks to host evens that will foster a positive and united community. The association is overseen by a 10-member board.
For more information, e-mail pavavets@outlook.com.
