Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

A full day of fun is planned Saturday to benefit the veterans program at the Merritt Center in Star Valley.

The Merritt Center is a nonprofit organization which offers a program called Basic Training for Life. According Betty Merritt, the center’s director, $12,000 is needed to offer the program next year.

“The Returning Vets Program at the Merritt Center is offered free to returning veterans to help them make the transition from a war environment to home life,” Merritt said.

To raise funds for the program an Octoberfest is planned from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10. A $45 donation is requested.

The day will include live music and other entertainment, a bocce ball tournament, walking the labyrinth, back massage, food and more.

A raffle is also planned. Among the prizes: two golf packages; two pairs of eagle statues; a patriotic quilt; a special veteran picture; a weekend retreat in the pines; a wellness weekend at the Merritt Center; and several therapeutic sessions.

Among the musical and other entertainment scheduled for the day are: Steve & Robin; storyteller Don Doyle; Flute Jam; Sustainabillies; Scott & Marina; and Dream Chemistry.

Recently the Merritt Center received a donation of $2,500 from the Boots for our Troops program toward the $12,000 needed for next year.

The Merritt Center has been providing readjustment help to men returning from combat for four years and to women veterans for two years.

To make it easier for guests to enjoy the Oct. 10 event, the Merritt Center will have a shuttle running every 15 minutes from Rim Country Mall to its facility in Star Valley.

For more information, go online to www.merrittcenter.org or call (928) 474-4268.