Veterans and active service members are invited to the Veterans Appreciation Day picnic put on by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 17 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at Longwood Park in Gainesville.

Bob Freytag, commander of the local chapter, said people will be available to help veterans fill out Veterans Administration claims and give information about services and benefits.

In addition to hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and all the trimmings, the event will feature appearances by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Rep. Nathan Deal. And Celtic music will provide a festive air from noon until 3 p.m.

Wendy Paradis, a member of the local DAV chapter who is helping organize Saturday’s picnic, said raffle tickets will be sold for door prizes, including a diamond tennis bracelet. Tickets are $1 each, or six for $5.

Paradis said the local chapter still will take donations for Saturday’s picnic, but they also have ongoing needs in providing financial help to members.