Originally published at https://www.escondido.org on November 24, 2021.
On Saturday, Nov.13, Escondido celebrated VetFest, a day-long festival and parade celebrating Veterans who dedicated their time to serving in the United States military.
Founded in 2019, VetFest was the brain-child of Mayor Paul McNamara who is a retired Marine Corps colonel. Alongside Escondido’s American Legion JB Clark Post 149 Commander Mike Frank and Nina Deerfield, they recruited several volunteers and sponsors to help organize and fund the event. Title sponsors this year included Cheval Winery, Palomar College, MSE Landscape and Palomar Health Medical Group.
The well-organized and much-anticipated event had a large number of attendees come out to celebrate after events were canceled last year due to ongoing pandemic concerns.
Grand Avenue was decorated in red, white and blue all along the parade route to embody the spirit of the event. Several merchants throughout Grand Avenue and its side streets participated in the annual Storefront Contest where they decorated their window fronts with patriotic salutes to veterans and the U.S. panel of veterans chosen by the VetFest committee selected the winners which will be announced on its website.
The parade marched down Grand Avenue and showcased veterans from past conflicts from as far back as World War II. Local and regional organizations that support Escondido veterans and their families also walked the parade, along with marching bands and other supporters.
The Esco Alley Art committee came out in support of Escondido veterans and participated in the parade. Esco Alley Art committee member Carol Rogers from Stone and Glass said, “We truly enjoyed the experience, we found it a wonderful way to honor our Vets and bring our community together. We plan to participate again next year.”
This year’s activities also included an art show where veterans, veteran family members, and supporters of veterans were invited to participate. Like the Storefront Contest, it too was judged by a VetFest committee and results will be posted on the website.
Static displays such as trucks and military equipment from Camp Pendleton were parked along the route and information booths from sponsors were set up for guests to wander through and learn more about the many businesses throughout Escondido that support the military and military families.
A free barbecue provided by the American Legion was available after the parade.
Philanthropic Patriots
Escondido’s American Legion JB Clark Post 149 was first established in 1919, shortly after the first American Legion held its first national convention in Minnesota. The mission of the American Legion is to enhance the well-being of the country’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities through a devotion to mutual helpfulness. The organization’s mission statement is: “The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.” As a local service charity, the JB Clark Post 149 is dedicated to the preservation of local historical facts.
The American Legion JB Clark Post 149 is located at 230 E Park Avenue in Escondido.
All branches of the armed forces are welcome to join the organization. The organization is a leader in providing services to the community including veteran services, mentoring youth, sponsoring community activities, and advocating American ideals. 100% of funds raised through the American Legion go back to the community.