Surprise commission finalizes VetFest 2026 logistics, calls for volunteers

The Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission on April 9 approved its March meeting minutes and received final planning details for VetFest 2026, a free community event featuring live music, vendor booths, a job fair and static military displays.

The event coordinator told commissioners the current exhibitor count stood at 135 and that six food trucks were confirmed. "We do have six food trucks prepared to be there," the coordinator said, adding that entertainment arrangements include performances by the West Sunland Players, a Luke Honor Guard presentation and a national anthem performance by an 18-year-old student from Shadow Ridge High School.

Organizers plan a limited road closure on Buck O'Neil in front of the stadium to host static displays, including an Army National Guard Humvee, a mobile veterans housing unit and several historical military vehicles. The check-in and information booth will be inside the stadium gate on the north (third-base) side facing the parking lot; ADA parking spaces will be available closer to the stadium entrance, and staff will place directional signage for attendees.

Vendor and exhibitor logistics: city staff will set up vendor infrastructure Friday afternoon; exhibitors and sponsors are scheduled to begin setting up Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Exhibitors who have donated raffle items were asked to bring and retain their items at their booths so winners can claim prizes directly. Organizers said winners' contact information will be collected at the information booth so exhibitors can follow up if a winner leaves before claiming a prize.

Volunteers: coordinators said volunteer help is still needed, particularly to support vendor loading and unloading because of the distance from the lot to the stadium. They also requested assistance for takedown of the traveling "Wall That Heals," noting staffing was light on the day the wall arrived and that volunteers to take the exhibit down would be appreciated.

Other business and votes: a commissioner moved to approve the minutes from the March 11, 2026 meeting; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Later in the meeting a motion to adjourn passed by voice vote.

The commission reiterated community invitations to visit the traveling Wall That Heals at Mark Coronado Park while it is on display (events include a welcome ceremony, a candlelight event and taps at sunset), and discussed inviting Battle Bells Community and Behavioral Health to present at a future meeting.

The commission closed the meeting after the adjournment motion passed.