This year’s Veterans Resource Fair will take place from Aug. 14 to 16 at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, located at 42 Franklin Ave. in Yuba City. Photo courtesy of YubaSutterVeterans.org

 

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The Yuba-Sutter Stand Down is back for its 26th year, and organizers are preparing for what they hope will be the biggest event yet. Director Mike Nichols, who has helmed the effort for two decades, is once again offering a light-hearted incentive: “If we get a thousand veterans this year, I’ll cut off my ponytail,” Nichols laughed.

This year’s Veterans Resource Fair will take place from Aug. 14 to 16 at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, located at 42 Franklin Ave. in Yuba City. The event provides no-cost access to vital services for veterans, including medical and dental care, vision and hearing screenings, housing support, legal help, haircuts, showers, pet care and more.

New in 2025, military spouses and children will also be eligible for free dental, vision, and hearing services throughout the three-day event.

“A lot of children don’t get those services, and they need it prior to school,” Nichols said.

While the event has traditionally targeted homeless or at-risk veterans, Nichols stressed that the Stand Down is open to all veterans and their families, regardless of housing or financial status. He’s encouraging local veterans to overcome hesitation and take full advantage of the resources available.

“There’s this mentality, especially among service members, that ‘if you don’t need it, don’t take it,’” Nichols said. “But we want to get these guys in sooner rather than later.”

More than just services, Nichols says the event is about meaningful connection.

“It’s about having a comfortable, safe place surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through,” said Nichols.

To register, volunteer, or learn more, visit www.yubasutterveterans.org/standdown or call 530-749-1036.