Mission to host second Veterans Day Fest
BBQ will replace traditional parade
Mission will continue to honor those who served their country, albeit in a new, safe way.
This year, the City of Mission is honoring local military heroes with a Veterans’ Appreciation BBQ Saturday, Nov. 7. The drive-thru event at Mission Event Center will feature a chicken plate with all the trimmings, while supplies last.
The BBQ will replace the traditional parade, the city stated in a news release.
“We want to make sure our community recognizes the true meaning behind Veterans Day,” Mayor Armando O’Caña said in a statement. “We must honor the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom. I wish we could host our second annual parade, but the safety of our community is first and foremost so we had to change things up this year to take the necessary coronavirus precautions.”
Veterans who are picking up BBQ plates in drive-thru event are urged to decorate their vehicles in red, white and blue to showcase their patriotism. First responders are also being asked to join the festivities to honor the military heroes with lights and sirens as they drive thru “Honor Lane” at the Mission Event Center. In addition, the Hidalgo County Veterans Services department will be on site to promote military services and government resources available to local veterans, according to a news release.
The festivities include a Veterans Car Show from 3-8 p.m. outside the CEED building in the 5 x 5 Brewing Company parking lot. Masks and social distancing will be enforced at this event which will include family-friendly entertainment a food truck court.
Visitors will be allowed to visit the RGV State Veterans Cemetery over the holiday weekend, which the city of Mission recently took over and is now serving as the primary entity responsible for maintenance and day to day operations.
Those visiting must avoid any large gatherings or close contact with other families.
Other celebrations the city is throwing to recognize veterans include a free round of golf throughout the month for the first 100 veterans to sign up at the Shary Municipal Golf Course. A military ID is required for registration.
“We want our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future to know that we cannot thank them enough,” Mayor O’Caña said. “This BBQ and a round of golf on us, is just a small token of appreciation.”
To cap off the tribute, the inaugural City of Mission Veterans Virtual 5K will be held, with a Veterans Day themed run that includes a bib, shirt and custom medal, along with online results for the running community. The registration deadline for a guaranteed t-shirt is Friday Oct. 23.
For more information on the Veterans Fest, please call 956.580.8662 or visit missiontexas.us.
