Get ready, Novi, Michigan! It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and polish those medals because the 2024 Veterans Day celebration is just around the corner. Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. because the Novi Civic Center is about to turn into the hottest spot in town.

Now, you might be thinking, “Veterans Day on November 7? Did they move the holiday?” Nope, we’re just getting a head start on the festivities. Think of it as a pre-game for the main event. After all, our vets deserve more than just one day of recognition, right?

A Lunch Fit for Heroes

Let’s talk about the main attraction: lunch. And not just any lunch, mind you. We’re talking about a spread that would make even the most seasoned mess hall cook green with envy. The best part? If you’re a veteran, it’s on the house. That’s right, free food. There’s a small fee for the rest of us mere mortals, but trust me, it’s worth every penny.

Residents, you’ll pay a cool $10, while non-residents must fork over $12. It’s a small price to pay for good food, great company, and the chance to say “thank you” to our local heroes. Think of all the money you’ll save on lunch that day. It’s practically a bargain!

Rockin’ With Oil Can Larry

Now, what’s a party without some tunes? Enter “Oil Can Larry,” the band about to take us on a musical journey from the swinging 60s to the radical 80s. These guys aren’t your average cover band. Oh no, they’re like a time machine with guitars.

Picture this: You’re biting into your sandwich, tapping your foot to “Twist and Shout,” when suddenly, you’re transported to a disco inferno with “Stayin’ Alive.” Before you know it, you’re air guitaring to “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” It’s like three decades of music crammed into 90 minutes. Who needs a DeLorean when you’ve got Oil Can Larry?

Location, Location, Location

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting the Novi Civic Center, let me paint you a picture. Located at 45175 Ten Mile Road, this isn’t just any old government building. It’s the heart of Novi, where community happens. Imagine a place where you can pay your water bill, attend a city council meeting, and rock out to ’60s hits on the same day. That’s the Novi Civic Center for you. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of municipal buildings.

More Than Just a Meal

Sure, the food will be great, and the music will have you tapping your toes. But let’s not forget what this is really about. It’s a chance to unite as a community and show our veterans that we haven’t forgotten their sacrifices.

It’s about the stories that will be shared over lunch, the friendships that will be rekindled, and the new ones that will be forged. It’s about the laughter that will echo through the halls of the Civic Center, drowning out the usual sounds of bureaucracy for a few hours.

A Community United

This event isn’t just for veterans. It’s for all of us. It’s a chance for Novi to show what it’s made of. We’re talking about a city that knows how to throw a party and honor its heroes at the same time. So, whether you’re a vet, know a vet, or just want to be part of something special, this is your invitation. Come for the free food (if you’re a vet), stay for the music, and leave with a heart full of gratitude and community spirit.

The Details

Alright, let’s break it down one more time for those in the back:

• What: 2024 Veterans Day Celebration
• When: Thursday, November 7, 2024, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Where: Novi Civic Center, 45175 Ten Mile Road, Novi, MI 48375
• Who: Veterans (free), Guests ($10 for residents, $12 for non-residents)
• Why: Because our vets rock, and so does Oil Can Larry

Remember, space might be limited, so don’t wait until the last minute to decide. You don’t want to miss out on this groovy gathering. Besides, where else will you find a band named after a car part?

So, Novi, are you ready to show your veterans some love? Are you prepared to twist, shout, and boogie your way through lunch? Then circle November 7 on your calendar, shine up those dancing shoes, and get ready for a Veterans Day celebration that’ll have you saying, “Oh, what a day!”

Sources: cityofnovi.org, cityofnovi.org
Header Image Source: Photo by Selena Morar on Unsplash