ESCANABA – Tonight is veterans appreciation night at the Escanaba Eskymo football game.

Rusty Bluse with the Escanaba Fan Club said all area veterans are welcome for a picnic and recognition during the game.

“We take the vets onto the field and the players walk through and shake the hands of the veterans, thanking them,” said Bluse. “It’s a real thrill for the veterans. They really look forward to it.”

They also ask the opposing team to participate. Bluse said it helps to bring the players together before the start of the game.

“So we have Escanaba players and this year Traverse City players will go through a shake the hands of the veterans on one side and then they go to their respective sideline,” he said.

Vets and spouses are welcome for the picnic at the Escanaba Athletic Field starting at 5 o’clock. They serve hamburgers, brats and homemade french fries. Bluse said it’s a good time for them to see each other and talk among themselves before the start of the game.