Manchester vets invited to 2026 Washtenaw County Vet Fest
Photo from Vet Fest 2025, courtesy of WCC.
submitted by Fran Lefort, WCC
All military veterans, active-duty personnel and their families are invited to a day of free food, fun and information at the 2026 Washtenaw County Vet Fest on Saturday, August 1. The Wadhams Veterans Center at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is organizing the fifth annual event in collaboration with multiple veterans organizations throughout Washtenaw County. The event runs from 10am to 2pm with activities set up near the main entrance to the WCC campus located at 4800 East Huron River Drive. Pre-registration is required. Sign up at washtenaw.cc/vetfest26.
The goal of Vet Fest 2026 is to connect service members to resource providers in the community and to each other. Several veteran-owned businesses will be featured, as well as the new addition of a gaming tent where attendees can play video or table top games and enjoy connecting with other veterans and their families.
Events and activities are planned for all ages, including:
- Live music
- Free food
- Cold treats
- Hourly raffles
- Kids activities (balloon art, face painting and temporary tattoos)
- Blood drive on site
- Carnival games
- Military vehicles and aircraft displays
- K-9 demonstrations
- Veteran-owned businesses
- Resource provider exhibits
- Fully operational Secretary of State office on site
Attendees are encouraged to show their veteran pride and earn extra raffle tickets by wearing something that represents their branch of service.
WCC serves approximately 500 veteran students and families. Located in the Student Center on campus, the Wadhams Veterans Center provides military-friendly programs to serve all former and current active-duty military personnel, spouses and dependents of veterans, and students in the National Guard or Reserves.
The college is recognized by the Michigan Veterans’ Affairs Agency as a gold-level veteran-friendly school, the highest honor awarded, for its strong commitment to veterans and military-affiliated students.
Washtenaw Community College (WCC) located in Ann Arbor has been opening doors to success for students and the community for 60 years, providing education and training in a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as liberal arts, healthcare, business, STEM, advanced transportation, and mobility. The Manchester area is in-district for WCC.
Photo from Vet Fest 2025, courtesy of WCC.
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