City officials announced Thursday that Palm Springs was designated as a Regional Site for the observance of Veterans Day by the Veterans Day National Committee of Department of Veterans Affairs, as three days of events were set to begin in the city.
“Palm Springs is one of a limited number of events nationwide to receive this important designation,” city spokesperson Amy Blaisdell said in a statement. “The events that are chosen will ensure that fitting tributes are paid across the nation and serve as examples for other communities to follow when planning their Veterans Day observances.”
Blaisdell said that, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, a VillageFest booth is set to be posted in which veterans will be presented with hand-held American flags until 9 p.m.
Festivities will continue Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a drive-thru luncheon in the parking lot of City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Blaisdell said. The event will feature free lunches for veterans while supplies last.
The Palm Springs High School Jazz Band will provide entertainment through Thursday and Friday’s events.
On Saturday, the 26th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade, with an “Honoring All Who Served” theme, will get underway at 3:30 p.m. along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon Road to Alejo Road. The Palm Springs High School Spirit of the Sands Band will follow the parade with a patriotic concert featuring a fireworks finale, which will close out the series of events, at Amado Road.