VFW to host fall conferences

WILLMAR - An estimated 400 people are expected to attend the annual Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars annual Fall Conference slated Friday through Sunday at the Willmar Conference Center.
The conference is an educational event and provides information on various VFW programs such as community service, youth activities, patriotism, Americanism, citizenship and Voice of Democracy.
“It’s basically educational,’’ said Del Bjerketvedt, commander of Finstad-Week VFW Post 1639 in Willmar, which is hosting the conference.
Bjerketvedt said the fall conference is held around the state and was last held in Willmar in 2009. Bjerketvedt said different posts around the state can submit a bid to host the conference.
Bjerketvedt said last year’s conference was held in Alexandria. He said Finstad-Week submitted a bid for 2014 and it was approved.
Bjerketvedt said the Willmar Post feels good about repeating as host.
“The reason we feel good about it is because if you do have a conference or a convention and things do not work out well, then you don’t get it again,’’ Bjerketvedt said.
But the 2009 conference worked out well and he said the post has been working hard the last four years preparing for the event.
“We’re ready to go,’’ he said.
Participants will be taking advantage of the newly remodeled conference center and adjacent hotel and restaurant facilities.
Bjerketvedt said many people will also be coming to the Post, located at 1103 U.S. Highway 12 S.E. to visit and have some food and entertainment.
One event, the Poppy Tea, will be held at the Post and is not part of the educational agenda.