The Friends of Hart Park have partnered with several Santa Clarita Valley veteran’s organizations and Los Angeles County to host the 2011 SCV Armed Forces Day Festival, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 21 at William S. Hart Park in Newhall.

Several bands will perform and a barbecue lunch will be cooked by the Sons of the Legion. Displays and demonstrations of military equipment and drills will be conducted and there will be an obstacle course for willing participants.

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An active duty Army color guard will open the festivities and there will be a presence from each branch of the military, many of them bringing vehicles and equipment for close inspection. This is the perfect opportunity to see items such as Marine and Army humvees, a Marine LAV, National Guard ambulance and a demonstration from the Marine K-9 unit.

Radio operators will also demonstrate their techniques, the Junior ROTC will make a presentation, SCV Young Marines will be hosting an obstacle course and the American Legion Riders will conduct a motorcycle contest. There will also be a rock climbing wall for participants to test their endurance.

The community is invited to join in honoring our active duty troops and meet their local military and veteran’s organizations in a fun-filled, festival environment.

Following the festival, the Prayers Angels for the Military will conduct a candlelight vigil at Veterans Historical Plaza at sundown.

Tickets are $10 per person and include two barbecue meals and two raffle tickets. Tickets can be purchased at College of the Canyons Veterans Office, the American Legion Post 507 in Newhall and the Canyon Country Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6885 on Sierra Highway prior to the event.

Tickets can also be purchased at the gate.

Prayer Angels for the Military will be accepting donations for care packages being sent to SCV troops who are deployed. Guests bringing a donation will be given one extra raffle ticket.