Veterans flock to Fox River Grove for picnic
Hundreds of hospitalized veterans gathered Wednesday in Fox River Grove for the annual picnic sponsored by AMVETS of Cary Grove Post 245.
Roughly 400 veterans from VA hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin were bused to Lions Park near Route 14 along the Fox River where they were treated to food, drinks, music, games, pontoon boat rides and fishing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"We do believe that this is the nation's largest hospitalized veteran's picnic," said organizer Gary Foster of Cary.
The event is held in memory of post member Chris Chigas who died in 2006. Chigas used to organize the event at Chris' Coach House, his restaurant in Cary, and donate all the food.
The picnic moved from Cary to Fox River Grove roughly 12 years ago after Chigas died.
It has grown from serving only 40 veterans in its first year to hundreds yearly.
"It's been pretty steady at 400. We've topped out at 600 (veterans) one year," Foster said. "This day here is just for the vets to enjoy themselves."
The event is supported by donations from the community and a $5,000 grant from the service foundation of Illinois AMVETS.