The Building Bridges Foundation at Anderson Farm will hold its Veterans Day 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, Nov. 7, at West Willow Fire Company, 192 West Willow Road, Willow Street. The event will be held rain or shine with a 9 a.m. start time, and in-person registration will be available from 8 to 8:45 a.m.

Participants may register in advance online until Wednesday, Nov. 4. To register online, visit https://tinyurl.com/bridges5k2026.

The Veterans Day 5K Run & Walk will feature a scenic, 3.1-mile course that will begin near the fire station. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers, and the top three finishers in each age group will receive dog tag medals.

The annual community event will include complimentary refreshments, and food items will be available to purchase from Oola Bowls' food truck. Children's activities such as face painting and pumpkin painting will also take place during the race.

All proceeds will benefit the Building Bridges Foundation at Anderson Farm, which offers equine-assisted therapy services for veterans and their families at its location in Conestoga. Every dollar raised from the annual 5K will help the organization continue to offer its services at no cost. Last year, proceeds from the event provided free, equine-assisted therapy for 20 veterans and family members of military personnel; board member Kara Fisher said her goal is to increase that number to 30 this year.

"It's exciting to see everything come together," Fisher said. "We're focusing on doing more outreach in the community to let people know that we're a safe, calming space to come to."

In addition to offering equine-assisted therapy programs, Building Bridges operates the Vets Cafe on Thursdays from 8 to 11 a.m. Started as a gathering space for a few veterans to enjoy coffee and fellowship in a supportive atmosphere, the Vets Cafe now receives nearly one hundred visitors every week. Two years ago, the cafe was expanded to accommodate the growing number of attendees. "If we can continue to have as much success with the Vets Cafe as we have, I would love to add a second meeting day on Saturdays," said Fisher. "It can be hard for people who work to make it to the meeting on a weekday."

Building Bridges does not require veterans to participate in its programs or weekly gathering to visit its scenic 20-acre farm. Although the foundation continues to expand its services and weekly gatherings, Fisher said veterans are welcome to visit the property just to enjoy a peaceful, outdoor environment or utilize walking paths throughout the farm.

Building Bridges is seeking volunteers to assist with horse handling as well as the operation of the Vets Cafe. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call 717-368-3019.