Originally dedicated to the brave men who served and gave their lives during WWI, Veterans Day is now a day to honor all who have served in the military and sacrificed to protect our country and the freedom Americans continue to enjoy.
The Epoch Times has compiled a list of upcoming events in Orange County for friends and families to celebrate together, as well as other fun weekend activities.
Veterans Day Events
Anaheim
Celebrate veterans at the city’s Veterans Day Ceremony with an armed forces medley choir performance. Attendees will hear local veterans tell their stories of valor and of those who never made it home.Veterans Monument. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim. Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free. For more information.
Orange
Enjoy a day of fun with family and friends at the ‘Rock for Veterans Day’ Outdoor Festival, featuring performances by cover bands Angel Force Band and The Side Deal, and accompanied by a kids bounce house, obstacle course, food trucks, assortments of beer and wine, and more.Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange. Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free. For more information.
Mission Viejo
Join Mission Viejo’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony for a day of festivities with iconic patriotic songs, a Presentation of the Colors by Marines, and a three-volley rifle salute and taps, followed by an outdoor dessert and beverage reception.Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free. For more information.
Huntington Beach
Celebrants and car enthusiasts are invited to Huntington Beach’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Car Show, featuring hundreds of classic and collector cars customized with original craftsmanship. Guests of all ages can enjoy delicious food and performances by various local bands. Event donations will support special veterans programs and nonprofits.Huntington Beach City Hall. 2000 Main St., Huntington Beach. Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. For more information.
Costa Mesa
On Saturday, the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Heroes Hall Museum will celebrate the groundbreaking of its Serenity Walk and feature the All-American Boys Choir, kids’ activities, food, and an exhibit, “Armed Only with a Camera: World War II Photography of Stanley Troutman” with photographs, letters, artifacts, and memorabilia from the war correspondent’s tour in the South Pacific and mainland Japan.OC fairgrounds. 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. For more information.
Fountain Valley
The city, the West Orange County Veterans of Foreign Affairs Post, and Auxiliary 9557 will be hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony, which will also be live-streamed at Facebook.com/FVRecreation.Veterans Park. 17635 Los Alamos St., Fountain Valley. Friday, 10 a.m.
Laguna Beach
Veterans will be honored with an Air Force C-17 flyover hosted by the First Marine Division Band, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5868, and American Legion Post 222. The event will open with music performed by the United States Marine Band.Heisler Park. 375 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach. 10:45 a.m. Free. For more information.
Newport Beach
The ceremony hosted by American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 features a rifle volley and delicious meals—box lunch for $3 and buffet dinner for $8—with “roll back pricing to Vietnam Era.” But a gratuity of 2022 dollars is appreciated, according to organizers.215 15th St., Newport Beach. Doors open at 10 a.m. Call to order 10:50 a.m. Free. For more information.
Other Weekend Activities
Anaheim Health Fair
For those struggling to find affordable health care, the Anaheim Health Fair brings more than 150 medical providers under one roof including dental, medical, and vision services. Free screenings and services, such as fillings and mammograms, will be available. All are welcome to attend though registration is highly encouraged.Anaheim Convention Center. 800 W Katella Ave., Anaheim. Saturday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free. To register.
Sugar Plum Arts, Crafts, Antiques & Collectibles in Costa Mesa
The Sugar Plum fair, the biggest family-owned arts and crafts show in Southern California, features thousands of handmade arts and crafts from nearly 200 artisans. Visitors can get a head start on their holiday shopping with all the fair has to offer. Goods include holiday clothing for men and women, jewelry, decorations and treats, and more.OC Fair and Event Center. Thursday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free except Thursday, when entrance is $5. Parking $10. For more information
Kindness Awards in Fullerton
Hosted by Supervisor Doug Chaffee, the awards ceremony celebrates the kindness of local community members who help others without expecting anything in return. Outstanding residents from Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Anaheim, and Buena Park will be honored for their service, and all are welcome to attend. Registration required.Fullerton College. 321 East Chapman Ave., Fullerton. Building 200, Room 224. Sunday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. RSVP here.
Looney Toons Cartoon Classes in Santa Ana
Learn how to draw Looney Tunes characters from skilled artists from the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, all while watching cartoon clips. Kids and adults of all ages and skills are invited to doodle or draw. Ticketed classes for children ages 8 to 16 are available immediately after the free courses.Bowers Museum. 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free. $20 for ticketed classes. For tickets.
