Collinsville VFW kicks off summer with Red, White & Blue Party
By Devese “Dee” Ursery
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5691 welcomes visitors to come out and bring in the summer with a very patriotic party.
The inaugural Red, White and Blue Summer Kick Off Party is free to the public and will take place from 2-10 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Collinsville VFW located on 1234 Vandalia Street. The Party is to bring in the summer season in a patriotic way, according to Shelly Steuart, club manager for the VFW.
This first of its kind Summer Kick Off Party, hosted by the VFW, is a family-friendly event that has something for everyone, Steuart said. Visitors can enjoy the festivities both inside and out with something going on in each area. The intention is that it will become an annual event.
“The Party will feature all kinds of family friendly activities,” Steuart said. ”We will have a balloon artist, Stella the Donkey, as well as Collinsville Fire Department and a Air Vac Helicopter from Lifetime.”
According to Steuart, there will be three live bands playing inside and out, as well as a DJ in our lounge that evening. She said there is no admission fee for this event. There will also be food trucks, and an outside mobile bar where everyone can purchase their food and beverage. As well as our full bar inside our lounge.
Edley’s BBQ will be there from 2-6 p.m., drink specials, along with Stella the Donkey. The party will be outside from 2-6 p.m and then it will move to the inside from 6-10 p.m. Cherry Ice will play the inside party from 3-5pm and The Mobsters, Juz Coz and Cherry Ice will keep the [arty going from 6-10pm.
Steuart, co-founder of the Summer Kick Off Party explained its origin.
“One day our incoming Commander, Joe Skipper donned his Honor Guard uniform, grabbed an American flag and stepped out onto our sidewalk in front of our building,” Steuart said. “He received such a tremendous response that he and I decided a big Summer Kick Off Party to celebrate the Red, White and Blue would be a great idea.”
Steuart added that with so many patriotic holidays close together it seemed really fitting, so with that in mind our Summer Kick Off Party was born.
The Collinsville VFW is not only the host, but the sole sponsor of the Red, White and Blue Summer Kick Off Party.
“We are going to line the sidewalk in front of our building along 159 and show our patriotism with flags at 230 p.m.,” Steuart said. “Visitors can even decorate your vehicle so come out and have a great time!”
