In this week’s Thursday Preview, we spotlight the latest additions to our Veterans Calendar for the upcoming Saturday, 14 March 2026 Edition. These events and programs are thoughtfully curated to support and engage Connecticut’s veteran community.
For a complete list of events and more details, please refer to the full Connecticut Veterans Calendar in our upcoming publication or though our previous publication doesn’t include the events here, it has the all others.
The Connecticut Veterans Bulletin Thursday 12 March 2026 Preview highlights newly added events that will appear in the upcoming Saturday, 14 March 2026 edition of the Connecticut Veterans Calendar publication. Each week, the Thursday Preview introduces programs, ceremonies, fundraisers, and community gatherings that strengthen connections across Connecticut’s veteran community.
This week’s preview reflects the continued commitment of veterans organizations, nonprofits, municipalities, and community partners across the state. These events create opportunities for veterans and their families to connect, support one another, and participate in programs that promote service, recognition, and community engagement.
Among the newly added events is the 13th Annual Shamrock Shuffle in Oakville on March 14, organized through the Watertown Parks and Recreation Department. The community run and walk supports veteran programs associated with local VFW and American Legion organizations while bringing families together for a charitable cause. Events like this demonstrate how Connecticut communities regularly combine recreation with meaningful support for veterans.
Veterans service organizations continue to host community-centered gatherings as well. A traditional Connecticut 9-5 card tournament will be held at Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851 in Canaan, continuing a longstanding regional card-playing tradition that brings veterans and community members together for friendly competition and camaraderie.
Local posts are also hosting community meals that serve as informal meeting places for veterans and supporters. Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460 in Stratford will host its Sunday Funday featuring Mary’s Famous Meatball Grinders, while American Legion Post 165 in Wolcott prepares to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with a traditional corned beef dinner and community gathering supporting the post’s veteran programs.
Several large-scale community events supporting veterans are also included in this preview. Easterseals Capital Region will host the 39th Annual Crystal Ball gala in Weatogue, a major fundraising event that supports programs assisting veterans and individuals with disabilities. The event will feature keynote speaker Colonel (Ret.) Eric Lopez, a decorated U.S. Army officer whose leadership experience reflects the resilience and service honored throughout the evening.
Community breakfasts remain a staple of veterans organization outreach. Waterbury-Naugatuck VFW Post 201 will host a popular pancake buffet breakfast later in March, bringing veterans, families, and local residents together in support of the post’s ongoing activities.
Recognition ceremonies honoring veterans remain central to Connecticut’s veteran community calendar. On March 29, Oakville VFW Post 7330 will host a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony at Oakville Green, honoring the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans. That same day, the City of Milford and local veterans organizations will host a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day 51st Anniversary event at the Parsons Veterans Auditorium, bringing together speakers, live music from the Vietnam era, and a tribute to those who served.
Service efforts supporting veterans also continue across the state. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 196 in Milford is collecting essential items for residents of the VA Hospital through the end of March, ensuring that veterans receiving care have access to everyday necessities.
Programs promoting recreation and skills development for veterans are also part of this week’s additions. American Legion District 3 will host Veterans Range Night at Artemis Shooting Sports in Orange, offering structured time for veterans to train and practice in a safe and supportive environment.
Looking ahead to April and May, the preview includes several large community events and fundraisers that will appear in the upcoming calendar publication. Westport VFW Post 399 will host the Ten $ Grand Premium Classic Rock concert featuring legendary drummer Corky Laing of Mountain. Additional events include the Smalley Brothers VFW Auxiliary Spring Fling Dance in Windsor Locks, Upstairs Comedy Night at the Westport VFW, and the Jewett City VFW Spring Bazaar featuring local crafts and vendors.
Family-focused events supporting veterans are also scheduled. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72 will once again partner with the Town of Southington Recreation Department to host the annual Touch-A-Truck event, where families can explore construction, military, and emergency vehicles while supporting veteran programs.
Outdoor recreation and charitable competitions also appear in the calendar preview. The American Legion Post 209 Fishing Derby at Rockwell Park in Bristol will welcome young anglers for a free community fishing event, while the Swinging Fore Vets Golf Tournament at Lyman Orchards will bring supporters together to raise funds benefiting veterans.
Later in May, the American Legion Post 197 Memorial Golf Tournament in Marlborough will provide another opportunity for the community to support local veterans through charitable participation and sponsorship.
Together, these events represent only a portion of the growing number of programs appearing in the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin weekly calendar publication. The Thursday Preview serves as an early look at newly added listings before the full calendar is released each Saturday.
Veterans, families, and community supporters are encouraged to review the upcoming Connecticut Veterans Calendar publication on Saturday, 14 March 2026 for the complete list of events, programs, and activities taking place across the state.
Through continued participation and support, these gatherings reinforce the strong network of veterans organizations and community partners that serve Connecticut’s veterans every day.
Thursday 12 March 2026 5:00 AM
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar on ctvetsbulletin.org for Saturday, 14 March 2026
Events are in order by date
13th Annual Shamrock Shuffle
13th Annual Shamrock Shuffle
March 14, 2026
9AM Mini Shuffle – 10AM Run/Walk
*Race shirt guaranteed to registrants before March 1
Mini Shuffle Kids Run Start 9AM
10 years & under. 1 Mile
*Giveaway guaranteed to first 500 registrants across all events.
The Shamrock Shuffle Road Race is more than a run — it’s a way to give back. 🍀
Post race party at Ordinary Joe’s w/free hotdogs
(253 Buckingham St, Oakville, CT 06779)
All proceeds to benefit local charities! Charities to be announced soon.
*NO REFUNDS – REGISTRATION, SHIRTS, ETC.
Must be present at race to receive race swag, and awards.
Proceeds support the Watertown CT VFW, Oakville CT VFW, and the Watertown CT American Legion, helping local veterans and their programs.
Sign Up https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=115145
Hosted by:
Watertown Parks and Rec. Department (860) 945-5246
Location: 435 Buckingham Street, Polk School, Oakville, CT 06779
Couch-Pipa VFW Post 9-5 Card Tournament
Couch-Pipa VFW Post 9-5 Card Tournament
March 15th.
Registration at 10:00am.
The tournament begins at 11:00am
Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851 is hosting a 9-5 Card Tournament on Sunday,
$60/Team. Food will be available.
Sign Up at the Post or by calling Dan Odell: 1-860-309-1679
A 9-5 card tournament (often associated with Setback or Pitch, particularly in Connecticut) is a competitive event focused on a trick-taking game where the 9 and 5 cards hold specific point values, usually 9 and 5 points respectively. It involves bidding, partners, and high-stakes point accumulation.
Hosted by:
Couch-Pipa VFW Post 6851 (860) 824-8158
Location: 104 S Canaan Rd, Canaan, CT 06018
Mary’s Famous Meatball Grinders At VFW Post 9460
Mary’s Famous Meatball Grinders At VFW Post 9460
SUNDAY FUNDAY
March 15, 2026
12PM – 3PM
ONLY $8
Come grab a deliciously famous Mary’s meatball sandwich during our Sunday Funday special ! We promise you won’t be disappointed
Hosted by:
Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460
(203) 377-9112
Location:
100 Veterans Blvd
Stratford, CT 06615
Saint Patrick’s Day at American Legion Wolcott
Saint Patrick’s Day at American Legion Wolcott
SAINT PATRICK’S DAY
Tuesday, March 17TH, 2026 3:00P.M.-8:00P.M.
Take Out Or Dine In Available Reservations & Pre Orders Appreciated
Dinners By La Fortuna
Corned Beef Dinner $20.95
- Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, And Carrots.
Corned Beef Sandwich $12.95
- Corned Beef And Mustard On Rye Bread Served With Potato Chips
Corned Beef Rueben $15.95
- Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese, And Thousand Island Dressing On Grilled Rye. Served With Potato Chips.
Stuffed Shells With Tossed Salad $18.95
Desserts
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownie Sundae $5.95
Pistachio Cake $5.95
Soda/Bottled Water/Coffee/Tea $2.00
A Portion Of All Dinners Will Go Directly To The Wolcott American Legion Post 165
Hosted by: American Legion Wolcott Post 165
(203) 879-1090
Location: 1253 Wolcott Rd, Wolcott, CT 06716
Easterseals Crystal Ball 2026
Easterseals Crystal Ball 2026
LIMITLESS- At the Crystal Ball
Celebrating possibility and progress, join us for our 39th annual Crystal Ball gala! Our biggest fundraiser of the year supports programs for Veterans and people with disabilities. The evening includes dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions.
Keynote Speaker:
We are honored to welcome Eric Lopez, Colonel (Retired), U.S. Army, Founder & CEO of Arrowhead Leadership Consulting, as the 2026 Crystal Ball keynote speaker.
A recipient of four Bronze Star medals with seven combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Eric brings powerful insight on leadership, resilience, and purpose—values that align deeply with the Easterseals mission.
Buy Tickets Today! www.eastersealscrystalball.com
Hosted by:
(860) 270-0600
Location:
10 Winslow Place
Weatogue, CT 06089
Waterbury-Nantucket VFW Post 201 Pancake Buffet
Waterbury-Nantucket VFW Post 201 Pancake Buffet
Sunday March 22, 2026
at 8am
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! (a bunch of y’all showed up to the last one so we figured you’d wanna do it again). Join us once more in the hall for an amazing breakfast buffet and Bloody Marys and Mimosas (at the bar). Twelve bucks for the chow, $5 each for the drinks. See you there!
- Pancakes
- Scrambled Eggs
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Home Fries
$12
Hosted by:
Waterbury-Nantucket VFW Post 201 (203) 754-0738
Location: 2205 Baldwin St, Waterbury, CT 06706
VFW Department of Connecticut Auxiliary Auction
VFW Department of Connecticut Auxiliary Auction
Auction Alert
Saturday March 28, 2026
Doors Open At 10:00, Lunch Is At 12:00 And Auction Will Start At 1:00 Ρ.Μ.
Auxiliary 7330 In Oakville will be hosting this year.
LUNCH FOR $15.00 WILL INCLUDE:
Baked Italian Chicken, Pasta With Marinara OR Alfredo Sauce, Salad, Bread & Dessert.
PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR LUNCH BY MARCH 21, 2026, and send your money to department Treasurer Anne Philippon, 12 Baldwin ST. Bristol CT 06010
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO DEPT. OF CT. VFW AUXILIARY.
Hosted by:
(860) 274-5225
Location:
85 Davis St,Oakville VFW Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony
SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH, 2026
START AT 12:00 PM
VFW
WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS
OAKVILLE GREEN
PLEASE JOIN US IN THANKING OUR VIETNAM VETERANS THIS HONORING OF OUR VETERANS IS OPEN TO ALL VETERANS AND THE PUBLIC
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
RICHARD HINES
PAST COMMANDER
OAKVILLE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 7330
Hosted by: Oakville VFW Post 7330 (860) 274-5225
Location: Oakville Green
376 Main St,
Watertown, CT 06795
Oakville, CT 06779
Oakville VFW Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony
Oakville VFW Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony
SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH, 2026
START AT 12:00 PM
VFW
WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS
OAKVILLE GREEN
PLEASE JOIN US IN THANKING OUR VIETNAM VETERANS THIS HONORING OF OUR VETERANS IS OPEN TO ALL VETERANS AND THE PUBLIC
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
RICHARD HINES
PAST COMMANDER
OAKVILLE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 7330
Hosted by: Oakville VFW Post 7330 (860) 274-5225
Location: Oakville Green
376 Main St,
Watertown, CT 06795
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day 51st Anniversary
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day 51st Anniversary
Sunday March 29, 2026
1:00 to 3:00 Ρ.Μ.
A Day To Honor and Remember Our Vietnam Era Veterans
Event Program
Guest Speakers: Honoring Our Veterans Service and sacrifice’s
Live Music: Vietnam Era Music
In Tribute to All That Served
Join Us Everyone Is Welcome (Net Proceeds Will Support the Veteran Crisis Community)
FOR EVENT DETAILS
Hosted by:
City of Milford Connecticut & local Veterans Organizations (203) 783-3200
Location:
Veterans Auditorium at The Parsons Complex,
70 W River St,
Milford, CT 06460
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 196 VA Hospital Collection Drive
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 196 VA Hospital Collection Drive
Ends March 31, 2026
The Auxiliary is collecting needed items for the VA Hospital residence until March 31st. There is a clear collection bin near the front door at Post 196 for the VA Hospital items. The sign may not be on it yet but you’ll see some items in it already. The needed items are listed below.
For both men and women.
- Underwear (variety of sizes-Small-XXL) boxers, briefs, ladies
- T-Shirts (Variety of sizes-Small-XXL)
- Shaving Cream
- Razors
- Body Wash
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste (travel size and large tubes)
- Shampoo
- Dove Bar Soap
- Socks
- Sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
Hosted by:
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 196 (203) 874-9822
Location: 25 Merwin Ave.
Milford, CT 06460
Veterans Range Night at Artemis Shooting Sports
Veterans Range Night at Artemis Shooting Sports
Tuesday March 31st, 2026
4:30PM to 7:00PM
Shooters To The Line!
VETERANS RANGE NIGHT
The following half hour time slots are viable:
- 4:30PM to 5:00PM
- 5:00PM to 5:30PM
- 5:30PM to 6:00PM
- 6:00PM to 6:30PM
- 6:30PM to 7:00PM
Please email your reservations to:
The American Legion
or call (203) 616-2245
Please provide a first choice and second choice time slot in your email.
All reservations must be in by; 03/15/26.
Range Fee: $20 per half hour
Bring your permit, identification and personal protection equipment with you.
Hosted by: American Legion District 3 Connecticut
Location: ARTEMIS SHOOTING SPORTS & TRAINING ACADEMY (203) 616-2245
543-545 Boston Post Rd,
Orange, CT 06477
(in the Liberty Plaza Shopping Center)
Coffee With Veterans
NEXT RECURRENCE: SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2026
Coffee With Veterans
9AM-11 AM
1ST SATURDAY OF EACH ΜΟΝΤΗ
AMERICAN LEGION POST 68 HALL
COME ENJOY FREE COFFEE, HOT BREAKFAST & GOOD CONVERSATIONS!
Feel free to bring ONE guest!
IF YOU NEED A RIDE PLEASE CONTACT:
MO JORDAN
860-268-8969
AMERICANLEGIONAUXPOST68@GMAIL.COM
154 Porters Pass, Berlin CT 06037
Ten $ Grand Premium Classic Rock At Westport VFW
Ten $ Grand Premium Classic Rock At Westport VFW
Saturday
April 11, 2026
7PM
$20
Ten $ Grand Premium Classic Rock
Featuring legendary rock drummer Corky Laing of Mountain
Hosted by:
Westport VFW Post 399 (203) 227-6796
Location:
465 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880
Smalley Brother’s VFW Auxiliary Spring Fling Dance
Smalley Brother’s VFW Auxiliary Spring Fling Dance
Saturday,
April 18, 2026
7:00-10:00 p.m.
Fundraiser to support our Veterans
Featuring STEEL-N-EAZY
COUNTRY & MORE
***Raffle Prizes***
***50/50 Raffle***
$20 per person
or $35 per couple
CASH BAR
Can bring your own snacks
See Auxiliary Members or Bartender for tickets
Put on your dance shoes and join the party!
Hosted by:
Smalley Brother’s VFW Auxiliary (860) 623-6856
Location: 36 Fairview St, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Upstairs Comedy at VFW Westport
Upstairs Comedy at VFW Westport
FRIDAY APRIL 24TH
DOORS OPEN @ 7PM
SHOW @8PM
Spring into laughter with another epic comedy at Upstairs at the VFW Westport!
Laughing Gas Comedy and the City’s Backyard present another insane night of comedy at the VFW Westport. Tickets are $20 plus a one drink minimum. We have a light bar menu and it’s sponsored by SpaceCat Brewery. Seating is first come, first serve. Oh, and plenty of parking!
Comedians in this installment include Chris Roach (CBS, Kevin Can Wait), Joe Pontillo (Amazon Prime, Tubi, Westport legend) Dan Altano, and more TBA!
This show normally sells out so buy early.
Call or show up for more info.
Presented by: Laughing Gas Comedy
Hosted by:
Westport VFW Post 399 (203) 227-6796
Location:
465 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880
Jewett City VFW Kickoff To Spring Bazaar
Jewett City VFW Kickoff To Spring Bazaar
Saturday, April 26, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- HANDMADE CRAFTS
- CANDLES
- BAKED GOODS
- ARTISAN CRAFTS
- UNIQUE GIFTS
VENDORS WANTED!
Crafters Needed!
$25 TABLES LIMITED SPOTS
BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW!
(860)-501-8923
SHOWCASE YOUR CRAFTS, CANDLES, BAKED GOODS & HANDMADE ITEMS!
Food Available
Indoor / Outdoor (Weather Permitting)
SUPPORT LOCAL
Hosted by:
(860) 376-5226
Location: 263 Taylor Hill Rd,
Jewett City, CT 06351
American Legion 11th Annual Fishing Derby
American Legion 11th Annual Fishing Derby
Sunday April 26, 2026
Registration 6:30 am – 8:00am
Tournament 8:00 am – 11:00am
FREE
Rockwell Park, Bristol CT
Trophies & Prizes
Age limit is 16 and under; 2 trout per child
No Treble Hooks of any size will be allowed Minnows, meal worms, worms or power bait are allowed.
FREE WORMS & MEAL WORMS DONATED BY TAL’S TACKLE
Food Truck Provided by Steve’s Top Dogs for Breakfast Needs
Hosted by:
American Legion Post 209 Forestville (860) 384-5626
Location:
63 Dutton Ave,
Bristol, CT 06010
Swinging Fore Vets Golf Tournament
Swinging Fore Vets Golf Tournament
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Event check-in starts at 7:00am
Shotgun start at 8:30am
Swinging Fore Vets is a golf tournament to honor, remember and support those who have served in the Armed Forces for the United States of America. Our Swinging Fore Vets tournament is your opportunity to get out of the office or home and support America’s Veterans.
Register to Play: Be a part of the day by registering to play. Register as a foursome or as a single or pair – we will fill out your foursome.Register
Sponsor: Are you willing to play a bigger role in honoring our Veterans and make a difference in their lives? There are many ways to be a sponsor, see the options here.Sponsor
Donate: At the end of the day, we are here for our Veterans. Nothing is possible without all of our support. If you can in any way, donate.Donate
Hosted by:
(860) 824-8158
Location: Lyman Orchards Golf Club, 70 Lyman Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455
American Legion Auxiliary & Southington Rec Touch A Truck
American Legion Auxiliary & Southington Rec Touch A Truck
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72 and the Town of Southington Recreation Department Proudly Present the 22nd Annual
TOUCH-A-TRUCK
Saturday, May 16, 2026
(Rain Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026)
Southington Drive-In, 995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike
- Explore Construction, Military, Emergency & Other Vehicles.
- Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos
- Refreshments & More!
$4.00 Admission Per Child (Adults – Free)
10-11 AM
Sensory-Friendly Quiet Hour
11 AM-2 PM
General Admission
Hosted by:
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72 (860) 621-4243
Location: Southington Drive In, 995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike,
Southington, CT 06489
VFW Couch-Pipa Post 6851 Clam Bake
VFW Couch-Pipa Post 6851 Clam Bake
Mark Your Calendars:
SATURDAY,
May 16, 2026
11-4
Rain Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Shave Steaks
- Chicken Wings
- Sausage/Peppers
- Clam Chowder
- Steamers/Raw Clams
LIVE MUSIC: BRB Blues
TICKETS: $50 PER PERSON & MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE POST: 860-824-8158
*Tickets are Limited! NO Tickets will be available at the door!
Note: Lobster Bake: Sept. 12, 2026
Hosted by:
(860) 824-8158
Location: 104 S Canaan Rd,
Canaan, CT 06018
American Legion Post 197 Marlborough, CT Memorial Golf Tournament
American Legion Post 197 Marlborough, CT Memorial Golf Tournament
May 18 2026 Registration 8:30 AM
Scramble Format
Registration 8:30 AM. Shotgun Start 10:00AM
Foursome of Golf in the Tournament $600.00
You and 3 friends will enjoy golf
Flag Sponsor All 18 Holes $500.00
Beverage Cart Sponsor $300.00
Tee Sponsor $150.00
Single Golfer $150.00. We will pair you with another golfer
Please Mail Registration form along with check to:
American Legion Post 197
P.O. Box 178
Marl borough, CT 06447
You can also donate to: American Legion Post 197
If you don’t play golf, join us for dinner $50.00
Cost $150.00 per golfer.Includes all practice facilities, 18 HOLES OF GOLF, CART, GOODY BAG, & Lunch: 2 hot dogs & chips, Dinner: salad & PRIME RIB
AWARDS CEREMONY
$25.00 GIVEN FOR LONGEST DRIVE
$25.00 FOR CLOSEST TO PIN
50/50 RAFFLE
TEE CUP AUCTION
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT DON BUTLER
EMAIL:DON1BU@COMCAST.NET
Hosted by: AMERICAN LEGION POST 197 (860) 295-7810
Location: Black Ledge Country Club, 180 West Street,
Hebron, CT 06248
