Kenosha County will host its second annual Veterans Appreciation Summer Picnic on Friday, May 31, at noon at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. The event is open to local veterans and their families, with free admission and lunch provided by MISSION BBQ in Kenosha. Dousman Transport Co. will offer complimentary roundtrip transportation from Festival Foods on 80th Street, as space allows.
“I look forward to celebrating the start of summer with our community’s veterans at our county park that’s dedicated in their honor,” said County Executive Samantha Kerkman. “I appreciate the support of the community partners that came together again to make this possible.”
The picnic will take place in the Veterans Honor Plaza within the park, which is located west of Highway KD and north of Highway F in Randall and Wheatland. The plaza can be accessed via Karow Court off Highway F (Bassett Road), just west of Highway KD (352nd Avenue).
Attendees will have a chance to visit a new shelter honoring Army veterans, completed last year as part of a planned series recognizing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Wilmot Union High School band students are scheduled to perform, and Snap-on Incorporated representatives will be acknowledged for their donation supporting ongoing park development.
The 335-acre park features amenities such as Freedom Lake—open for nonmotorized water activities—and over five miles of walking trails.
“The Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park is a beautiful place for veterans and others to reflect and enjoy the landscape,” said Jennifer Blasi, Director of Kenosha County Veterans Services. “And this picnic is a great opportunity to see it and to enjoy the company of fellow veterans.”
Those needing transportation should contact the Kenosha County Veterans Service Office by phone or email. Registration is not required for those arranging their own travel.
More information about veteran services can be found at www.kenoshacounty.org/368/Veterans, while details about the park are available at www.kenoshacounty.org/1658/Kenosha-County-Veterans-Memorial-Park.
Kenosha County schools serve a diverse student body: during the 2023-24 school year, white students made up about 55.6% (14,124) of total enrollment; Hispanic students accounted for 25.7% (6,528); Black students were 10.4% (2,642); and American Indian students represented 0.2%. The largest high schools by enrollment included Indian Trail High School and Academy with 2,001 students, Tremper High School with 1,458 students, and Bradford High School with 1,448 students according to state data (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
