Hawthorne's Armed Forces Day celebration begins Thursday

Armed Forces Day is Saturday, but Nevada’s longest-running celebration will start Thursday in Hawthorne.

"The Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration not only brings together local family and friends, but visitors and Patriots from all over,” said Dana Tommila. “The objective of our event has always been to honor, support, and celebrate all of our armed forces, for all they have done. We strive to show them and the next generation, that our military is to be appreciated, honored, and supported."

While events are centered around Saturday’s parade including a military jet flyover, live music, patriotic floats, and Cecil the Sea Serpent, the Armed Forces Day Committee has organized a variety of events throughout the week.

Food and craft vendors start setting up on Thursday and will be open through Sunday. The official kick-off is Friday night with a fireworks show, chili championship cookoff and arm wrestling competition for pros and amateurs.

Saturday the parade starts at noon sharp.

For the kids, there will be dozens of youth events with bounce houses, board games, splash pads, face painting and more. Vendors will be providing a variety of food including Mexican food, funnel cakes, and ice cream.  Vendors will have jewelry, toys, figurines, flags and more.

For more information visit https://armedforcesdaynv.com/ or look for AFDHawthorneNV on Facebook.