HUMBOLDT — The Veterans Appreciation Concert is returning Aug. 7 to Lower Joe Sheldon Park in Humboldt after being unable to hold the event in 2020.

Dwight Lindquist began the event in 2014. After hearing about a similar event being held in Nebraska, Lindquist felt local veterans shouldn’t have to travel so far to attend and decided to organize a concert closer to home.

“We were only going to do one and we only had maybe 250 people show up in the rain, but we learned. I got phone calls and letters from veterans so I’ve been doing it since,” Lindquist said. The event has been held every other year, with the exception of 2020’s event being postponed until 2021.

The Veterans Appreciation Concert is more than just music, Lindquist said.

“We’re always adding new things. We have bouncers for the kids and, this year, we’re going to try temporary tattoos.” They also will have food vendors such as Dean’s Food Truck and 716 Main. The Dakota City VFW will host a beer garden as well.

For music, DJ Alpha will be entertaining when gates open until a military opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. Special Forces, a 38 Special tribute band, endorsed by 38 Special themselves, will take the stage.

Headliner Kristin Kelly will begin around 9 p.m.

“Kristin is just really great, down to earth and fun,” Lindquist said.

Kelly performed at Dierks Bentley’s 2010 Miles and Music benefit concert, gaining the attention of Grammy award-winning songwriter Paul Overstreet. Kelly and Overstreet wrote together leading to her first record deal with Arista Nashville. Kelly’s first EP released in 2012 broke the top 30 on the Billboard charts.

“We’re really excited to have her,” Lindquist said.

Gates will open at 4:30 p.m.

National Guard, Reserve, active duty, veterans, and VFW Auxiliary members will be admitted free with military ID/proof of service. Admission is free for children ages 15 and under accompanied by an adult, and non-veterans will pay $10 at the gate. Proceeds will go to benefit the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund.