The annual festivities to honor veterans a bit early will commence Friday.

Salute! will have several events for the public to attend during a two-day timespan. On Friday at 2:30 p.m., Curator Terry Boyles will lead a dedication ceremony for the Walk of Honor bricks placed last year at Tiffany West Park, south of the Farmer’s Market on Herritage St. Later that day, at 7 p.m. the Tar River Community Band will hold a concert to the public at the American Legion Post 43 building at 300 N. McLewean St.

On Saturday at 11 a.m., Salute! will hold its annual Veteran’s Day ceremony at Pearson Park, honoring those who have served in the Armed Forces. Immediately after, there will be a concert with local bands Straight Wire, Southern Touch and Happy Hour performing for the masses.

The traditional Tribute show at 7:00 p.m. has been cancelled due to damage at Lenoir Community College from Hurricane Florence. 

Salute! chairman Eric Cantu said despite a few changes, the show will go on.

“Due to the adverse weather conditions, we have elected not to have a parade because of the length of time and cost involved, but we are going to have a program,” Cantu said. “We definitely want to honor our veterans and this is the way we can do it at this time.”

All events will be free to the public.