CAMP BLANDING – The biggest question for Veterans Day at the Camp Blanding Museum is getting a grasp on the number of visitors.

The organizers underestimated how many came to the museum for a ceremony and cookout two years ago. And last year, the event was washed out – literally – by Hurricane Ian.

“The first year, we didn’t advertise. It was all word of mouth,” said David King, who will join others at the grill to make cheeseburgers and hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We ended up with 200 people. If we would have known that, we would have started cooking two hours earlier. But everyone was patient.”

The event not only supports the museum at the primary training site for most of the Florida National Guard and the biggest training base during World War II for the Asian Theater, but it also honors the men and women of the military.

And to highlight the significance of the base’s history, food will be priced at World War II levels – 25 cents for a cheeseburger and 10 cents for a hot dog. Chips and drinks also will be sold with discounts.

Just how many hot dogs and hamburgers they need is a mystery.

“We’ve put fliers out in all of the military clubs, and the Chamber of Commerce has put it in their weekly newspaper,” King said. “Now we’re thinking we may have as many as 1,000. That would be great. But it means we will start cooking very early.”

Green Cove Springs City Councilman and former Camp Blanding Camp Commander Matt Johnson started the ceremony in 2021. He still serves as the museum’s president.

“We do expect many more this year,” Johnson said. “The Board of County Commissioners has made it the official Clay County Veterans Day event. It’s all come together. With that, comes a lot of publicity.”

Like King, Johnson is expecting a large gathering.

“All we can do is guess. It’s a Saturday. It’s Veterans Day,” he said.

More activities will be added for children, Johnson said. In addition to touring the museum, children can play in Bounce Houses and crawl over and through military equipment.

“It feels very satisfying that we have an opportunity to educate the community about the military,” Johnson said. “It’s nice to bring the family to see the museum. We can all celebrate veterans together. It’s important for families because it educates the next generation on how veterans have served this country.”

The first 100 active or retired veterans will get a free T-shirt from the museum. Penney Farms Retirement Community said several World War II veterans will join the ceremony.

The base is located on State Road 16, just west of State Road 21.