Organizer says veterans dinner at Delaware County fair serves about 700 people

Harold Wolford, a member of Vietnam Veterans America Chapter 1095, told the Delaware County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 15 that the fair’s veterans dinner was established in 2012 and now averages “a little over 700.”

Why it matters: The veterans dinner is a recurring fair event that organizers and county staff said provides recognition and support to veterans and active-duty service members and is run with county and volunteer assistance.

Wolford described the dinner schedule and support: “It’s the last Friday affair, and the dinner starts at 06:30. At 06:00, the Buckeye Valley alumni band performs, and they do military music for everybody.” He said volunteers and elected officials assist at the dinner, and that quilts are presented as part of the ceremony.

Wolford said the Veterans Service Office (VSO) handles the dinner budget and that approved passes allow veterans to attend without paying for entry. “The budget is done by the VSO, which you guys approved years ago to do,” Wolford said. He encouraged continued volunteer participation and public attendance.

Commissioners thanked Wolford for his work on behalf of veterans. No action or appropriation related to the dinner was taken during the Sept. 15 meeting.

Ending: Wolford invited commissioners and the public to attend the veterans dinner and related ceremonies during fair week; the board acknowledged the county’s ongoing support for veterans programs.