Celebration salutes veterans at O.C. fairgrounds

Veterans were met with respect, resources and rations Saturday during a free community event at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

Guests at the Salute to Veterans could munch on a hot dog lunch, take in live entertainment and take advantage of free health screenings, veterans resources and a job fair.

The four-hour celebration — presented in collaboration with the Orange County Employees Assn. at the fairgrounds’ Heroes Hall veterans museum — also included a blood drive, and visitors were able to drop off donations of non-perishable food items for veterans in need.

“It is an honor for us to celebrate the men and women who serve our country, those who protect our freedom,” Fair & Event Center Chief Executive Kathy Kramer said in a statement.