Surprise VetFest drew about 1,000 attendees; commission and staff set April 11, 2026, as tentative date
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Summary
Commissioners and city staff reviewed VetFest 2025 attendance, exhibitor feedback and logistics, confirmed a tentative April 11, 2026 date for next year at Mark Coronado Park, and noted a title sponsorship commitment from America’s Mighty Warriors.
About 1,000 people attended VetFest 2025 in Surprise, city staff told the Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission on May 14, and commissioners discussed ways to expand the event next year.
Danielle, a city staff member who led the post-event review, said the event had “a thousand in attendance” after a rain-soaked inaugural year drew about 350. She said the city hosted more than 75 exhibitors, four food trucks and an expanded kids zone, and issued an exhibitor survey that returned generally positive results on communication and overall experience.
The review matters because commissioners want VetFest to be both a resource fair and a community celebration that brings veterans, service providers and employers together. Danielle said exhibitors gave high marks but asked for improvements in sound, more food vendors and larger veteran turnout; she asked the commission to consider invitations to veteran-owned small businesses and private vendors in defined sections.
Commissioners proposed several concrete changes to address those concerns. Commissioner Maxwell urged dedicated check-in points and maps showing vendor locations so attendees and vendors know where to find job resources, raffle locations and entertainment. Commissioner Tree recommended a visible raffle board so draws do not interrupt ongoing conversations between veterans and providers. Other suggestions included a dedicated vendor entrance, more planning lead time to coordinate military vehicle participation, and exploring adjacent farmers-market–style spaces to increase foot traffic.
Danielle asked commissioners to “pencil in April 11” for VetFest 2026, telling the group the city could hold the event again at Mark Coronado Park from 5 to 8 p.m. She also said the event’s title sponsor, America’s Mighty Warriors, has already committed to be the title sponsor next year. Commission staff reported the event budget was mostly covered by sponsorships and that the commission’s remaining budget for the fiscal year was roughly $5,000, though final VetFest expenses were still being settled.
No formal vote was taken to adopt a final plan; the discussion produced direction to city staff to hold the tentative date, expand promotion and logistics planning, and explore options for food vendors, veteran-owned business areas and an improved sound/PA setup. Commissioners also discussed forming a planning committee to develop detailed tasks and sponsorship outreach.
Commissioners said they want the event to feel more like a celebration so veterans who may be reluctant to seek services will attend and socialize. Multiple commissioners emphasized avoiding alcohol at the event and adding family-friendly activities such as raffles, pie-toss or therapy-animal moments to create a welcoming atmosphere.
