Harmony-Evans City VFW entertains with third annual Family Freedom Festival
EVANS CITY — Stars, stripes and small-town spirit were on display when members of the Harmony-Evans City Veterans of Foreign Wars post 499 hosted its third annual Family Freedom Festival this weekend, May 31 and June 1, in Evans City.
The event, which supports several local veterans organizations, included live music, food trucks, a classic car cruise and a children’s patriotic bike parade.
Last year, the event raised more than $10,000 for the Butler VA Homeless and Arts Programs, Guitars for Vets Butler Chapter and Colonial Gardens Guest House.
Despite unusually cold temperatures that came with fits of periodic showers, event organizers still anticipated a respectable turnout with similar fundraising goals in mind.
“It’s amazing,” said Nancy Petshot, VFW auxiliary president. “It speaks volumes about how our veterans are cared for by the local community. Everything that’s raised here goes right back to all of the organizations that are making a difference for a lot of people.”
State Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th, spoke to the crowd early Saturday afternoon and lauded members of the VFW for continuing to support worthwhile causes.
“Our veterans in the VFW are so integral to our community,” she said. “They not only allow our communities to exist, but when they come back they are part of our community. And as for the VFW, my sincere hope for you is that this will continue to be a legacy in the community and a strong point where the community of veterans can come and gather.”
Veterans received a free dinner Saturday inside the recently renovated VFW building.
Activities included fundraising games like raffles, a 50/50 drawing and bingo on Sunday. There were more than 40 unique vendor booths filled with crafts and goods, a majority of them local to the county.
“We try to support Evans City and Evans City tries to support us,” said Jack Skelly, a veteran and VFW post commander. “It means a lot when all these residents from surrounding communities come out here to support us even when they have to fight the weather a little bit sometimes.”
