Volunteers make it happen, get ready for stand down

Volunteers fold up a spare tent at the Dixon May Fair Fairgrounds Monday in preparation for the North Bay Stand Down event for veterans. (Robinson Kuntz/Daily Republic)

Event planners in past years could rely on tents supplied by Travis Air Force Base, but this year – due to the partial government shutdown – had to improvise and secure tents from the Sacramento Stand Down.

Ken Jobe, a culinary student at American River College who is overseeing the food preparation, was getting ready to throw 16 pork butts into the smoker for Tuesday’s pulled pork lunch. Jobe said they will also serve freshly baked bread.

The stand down is ready to supply 225 to 275 veterans with shelter, food, benefit information, legal assistance and other services, according to one of the event’s organizers, Jeffrey Jewell. Veterans will be able to access services from Tuesday until Wednesday at the Dixon May Fair fairgrounds, 655 S. 1st St..