While Platt Park isn’t hosting the main Veterans Day events in 2024, fear not! The action is just a short distance from Denver City Park, about 5 miles northeast of Platt Park. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 9, 2024, because that’s when Denver will paint the town red, white, and blue!

The Early Bird Gets the… Run?

For those who would like to start their day with a bang (or, in this case, a starting gun), the Veterans Day 5K/10K Run Walk kicks off at 8:30 AM sharp. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or considering reaching for the TV remote exercise, this event welcomes all levels of fitness enthusiasts.

But wait, there’s more! There’s the 10K Rippetoe Rucksack Challenge for the real tough cookies out there. Picture this: you, a 25-pound backpack, and 6.2 miles of pure grit. It’s not just a test of endurance; it’s a tribute to Army Captain Russel B. Rippetoe, who gave his life serving in Iraq. So, if you’ve ever wanted to feel like G.I. Joe (or Jane), here’s your chance!

Parade: Where Patriotism Meets Party

At 10:30 AM, just as the runners are catching their breath, the main event begins. The Denver Veterans Day Parade will wind its way through City Park, turning it into a sea of stars and stripes. Expect to see everything from high school marching bands (because nothing says “America” like teenagers playing slightly out-of-tune trumpets) to vintage cars that’ll make you wonder if you’ve time-traveled back to the 1950s.

Keep your eyes peeled for the various military units, ROTC squads, and veteran organizations. They’ll be marching with enough pride to make a bald eagle shed a tear. And let’s not forget the local businesses joining in – because nothing says “I support our troops” quite like a pizza shop’s mascot waving an American flag.

Festival: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Party?

The festival starts at 9:30 AM and keeps the good times rolling until 2:00 PM. It’s like a county fair meets a military museum and decides to have a party. Vendor booths offer everything from veteran resources to funnel cakes (because freedom tastes like deep-fried dough, right?).

There will be plenty of activities for the kids (or the young at heart). You might even get to try on some military gear – perfect for those “I could have joined the Army” stories you love to tell at family barbecues.

And let’s talk about food. The festival promises to bring out Colorado’s flavors, which we can only assume means there will be a booth selling rocky mountain oysters. (For those not in the know, they’re not seafood. Google at your own risk.)

Why You Should Go (Besides the Obvious Patriotic Duty)

1. It’s free! In this economy, finding quality entertainment that doesn’t cost a penny is rarer than a politician keeping all their campaign promises.
2. You get to feel good while having fun. It’s like eating a salad that tastes like pizza – the best of both worlds!
3. Where else can you see a parade, run a race, eat local food, and potentially try on a military helmet all in one day?
4. It’s a great way to teach kids about history and service without them realizing they’re learning. Sneaky education at its finest!
5. You might just meet some real-life heroes. And no, we’re not talking about the guy who can eat 50 hot dogs in 10 minutes (although that’s impressive in its own right).

Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

1. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking unless you plan to roll down the hills of City Park.
2. Bring sunscreen. Colorado Sun is no joke – it’s closer to you up here and means business.
3. Arrive early if you want a good spot for the parade. Otherwise, you might end up watching it through someone’s iPad as they record the whole thing.
4. Bring cash for food vendors. Nothing kills the patriotic mood quite like having to run to an ATM mid-festival.
5. Leave your pet bald eagle at home. As majestic as it would be, it’s probably not allowed.

In All Seriousness…

While we’ve had some fun here, let’s not forget the real reason for this event. It’s a day to honor the brave men and women serving our country. These events are more than just a good time; they’re a chance to show our appreciation, learn about the sacrifices made by our veterans, and come together as a community.

So, whether in Platt Park, City Park, or anywhere in between, make your way to this celebration. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves, remember those who’ve served, and have a darn good time doing it. See you there, Denver!

Sources: denverveteransday.com, Colorado Veterans Project Facebook Event, denver.beyondthenest.com
Header Image Source: denverveteransday.com