What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/983687
B oth Dorothy Cardiel and her husband, Andrew, are veterans. He served in Vietnam in the mid-1960s, and she in California in the mid- 1970s. Cardiel knows firsthand some of the challenges of finding services veterans desperately need. She also knows that many — most — of the younger veterans are not involved with organizations like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars and don't have access to the resources those groups can provide. But it was an innocent comment that inspired Cardiel to create the first Family Freedom Fest, set for May 26 in downtown Springdale. "Someone said, 'I thought the VFW had folded,'" explains Cardiel, who is a member of Springdale's Post 2952 Auxiliary. "No. 1, people need to know we're still here. No. 2, we're here for all vets. And No. 3, we need to be visible to the community. "This was sometime last fall — last November, maybe — and we started thinking about Memorial Day for some kind of an event," she continues. "When I was growing up, we always had a Memorial Day parade and picnic, and everything was patriotic downtown, and I thought I would like to do something patriotic — but not a parade. Not this year." Cardiel has rounded up funding and support that will bring military vehicles, a food truck, booths showcasing veterans' services, vendors and music to Shiloh Square and Walter Turnbow Park in downtown Springdale. There will also be a bicycle rodeo; speaker Aaron Mankin, a Marine veteran; and a chance to add veterans to an Honor Board. In addition, 7Hills Homeless Shelter will collect household necessities like deodorant, toothpaste, a can opener or a coffee cup for the "go buckets" the VFW Auxiliary creates for homeless veterans. "Our goal for the day is to network for veterans, bring together families and the community for a fun event and increase the visibility of the needs of veterans," Cardiel says. "How it might evolve remains to be seen — but I'd still like to have a Memorial Day parade!" — BECCA MARTIN-BROWN BMARTIN@NWADG.COM 4 WHAT'S UP! MAY 20-26, 2018 FAQ Family Freedom Festival WHEN — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 26 WHERE — Shiloh Square and Walter Turnbow Park in downtown Springdale COST — Free; food will be for sale INFO — Email dcardiel@gmail. com Moments To Remember Freedom Fest seeks to bring veterans, community together SPRINGDALE Courtesy Photos Performers at Springdale's new Family Freedom Festival include Soldier Songs & Voices (bottom of page) at 10 a.m. May 26; Dazzling Diamonds at noon, after the 11 a.m. opening ceremonies; and Amity Heart from Branson (left) at 1 p.m.