Loveland Celebrates Veterans Day with Events and Entertainment

Veterans Day in Loveland promises a full day of celebrations and activities on November 11, 2023, honoring those who have served in the military. The festivities will include a bell-ringing ceremony, a parade, and a performance by Mannheim Steamroller.

Starting early in the morning, the annual bell-ringing will occur from 04:00 to 06:00, with veterans driving through the city streets ringing bells to commemorate the day. A breakfast will follow from 06:00 to 10:00 at the Associated Veterans of Loveland building, located at 305 N. Cleveland Ave. Uniformed military personnel can enjoy their meal free of charge, while other adults will pay $5 and children $3.

The highlight of the day, the Veterans Day parade, will commence at 11:11 in downtown Loveland. The parade route will start at Fourth Street, heading west from Railroad Avenue, then north on Grant Avenue to Fifth Street, continuing north on Garfield Avenue to 13th Street, and finally west on 13th to arrive at Dwayne Webster Veterans Park. Here, at noon, Phyllis Minch will deliver the keynote address during a ceremony to honor veterans. Following the ceremony, lunch will be served at the veterans’ building from 12:30 to 14:00, costing $6 for adults and $3 for children, while military personnel in uniform can eat for free. At 16:00, light snacks and entertainment will be available at the Veterans Club.

In addition to the Veterans Day events, the renowned Mannheim Steamroller will present a Christmas performance at 19:00 at the Blue Arena, located at 5290 Arena Circle. The show will feature 15 musicians playing over 20 instruments against a stunning multimedia backdrop. Ticket prices range from $56 to $96, and interested attendees can contact 877-544-8499 for more details.

Additional events in the Loveland area include the Loveland Connection Veterans Day Program, taking place at 10:00 at All Saints Episcopal Church, located at 3448 N. Taft Ave. Kitty Ellison will discuss her research on military ribbons and medals, and the public is invited to attend.

For those looking for entertainment, Brewery Bingo will be hosted at Big Thompson Brewery from 18:30 to 21:00, with no entry fee. Additionally, a Texas Hold’em game will take place at the Crooked Beech Taproom from 18:30 to 20:15, also free for participants.

Residents are encouraged to contribute to the community through book donations at The Sorting Place, accepting items every Tuesday from 10:00 to 12:00, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays at different times. This initiative supports the next Used Book Sale organized by the Friends of the Library.

Other notable events include a Veterans Day breakfast at the Fort Collins Senior Center, wine and cheese pairing at Odell Brewing Wine Project, and a flag placement ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery, where volunteers will honor veterans by placing flags on their graves.

In Greeley, a Veterans Day Film Festival will occur at the Aims Welcome Center, featuring remarks from notable figures including Benjamin Patton, grandson of World War II General George S. Patton Jr. and founder of the Patton Veterans Project. This event starts with a reception at 17:30, followed by the program at 18:00.

As Loveland and surrounding areas come together to celebrate and honor military service on Veterans Day, the community is invited to participate in these meaningful events that foster gratitude and remembrance.