Smithfield, Benson plan Veterans Day celebrations

BENSON PLANS VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

Submitted BY TOWN OF BENSON

BENSON — The Town of Benson has been working with its local American Legion, the Benson Chamber of Commerce, Benson Parks and Recreation, the Benson Police Department and several other local organizations to make this year’s Run for the Brave 5K and Veterans Day celebration the biggest ever.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the morning will begin with the Run for the Brave 5K, leading into a huge celebration in and around the Singing Grove featuring live music from the Antique Outlaws, special guest speakers, a parade down Main Street, and for the first time at this event, an N.C. Pork Council-sanctioned BBQ Cookoff sponsored by Lee’s Fresh Market.

The check-in for the Run for the Brave 5K will be at 7:30 a.m. at TNT Fitness,

runners will hit the route at 9 a.m., and an awards ceremony will follow at Fainting Goat Brewery at 10:30 a.m. If you’re interested in registering for the 5K, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ Register/?raceId=6969&eventId=602865. All event proceeds will go towards the construction of a veterans memorial in Benson.

After the race, there will be a Veteran’s Day parade down Main Street at 11 a.m. featuring the American Legion Riders, the Benson Fire Department, the Benson Police Department, classic cars, local businesses and mule-riding teams.

Another first for the event, a Golf Cart Parade Contest, will also be held, encouraging participants to decorate their golf cart in a patriotic way. Carts will be judged for their creativity and prizes will be awarded. If you’re interested in decorating your golf cart and taking part in the parade, visit https://bit.ly/3COO4ec.

At 11:45 a.m., a Veterans Day program will be held in the Singing Grove with special guest speakers leading into live music from Antique Outlaws at noon. Also at noon, entrants in the BBQ Cookoff will begin selling barbecue lunch plates for $10. The announcement of the cook-off winners will follow. To enter the cookoff, visit https://bit. ly/3fXvU0O.

“We’re so excited for November,” said Benson Interim Town Manager Kim Pickett. “We have been working closely with the American Legion and Benson Chamber and we thank them for the time and effort they have put into expanding this event. We love our veterans here in Benson and we can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday. If you’re a runner, enjoy a good parade, good music or some delicious barbecue, this event is your place to be!”

Smithfield to hold Veterans Day celebration

Submitted BY TOWN OF SMITHFIELD

SMITHFIELD — As a way of honoring all the men and women who have served our country, the Town of Smithfield will hold a Veterans Day Celebration at Smithfield Community Park Friday, Nov. 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

“Our Veterans Day Celebration is an opportunity to say thank you to each of our veterans who have given so much to our community, county, state and nation,” said Mayor Andy Moore. “The Town of Smithfield will forever be indebted to each of our veterans, and their families, for all they have given to our country and we hope this celebration is just another way to honor their bravery, courage and sacrifice.”

This will be Smithfield’s third Veteran’s Day celebration. Festivities include music from the band Bad Decisions along with food trucks, bounce houses, games and more. The celebration will conclude with a fireworks display at approximately 8:30 p.m.