Hot dog eating contests, raffles, and community events were just some of the events honoring veterans at VFW Post 9059’s Veteran Appreciation Day event.

About 150 people - 75 percent of them veterans - attended the May 5 event, which served as community fun, awareness about veterans resources, and honoring Dartmouth’s veterans.

Donald NorMore, a former Marine and Purple Heart recipient, was recognized for his 30 plus years of dedicated service to the VFW with a plaque from the VFW’s board of directors. He will retire from his post as quartermaster in June.

Also being commemorated for their hard work at the VFW were six other individuals, who received a certificate of appreciation: Zachary Travis, Kevin DeCosta, Hedi Soares-West, Brian West, DJ Ray Jesus and McKyle Santos.

The auxiliary club and American Legion were on hand to recruit new members and provide information for veterans in need of help.

Fire District No. 3 and Dartmouth police also provided events.

Three University of Massachusett Dartmouth football players participated in a hotdog eating contest, with Quinn Sallon winning after eating 7.5 hotdogs in five minutes, and raffles ranging from wine baskets and gift cards to a GMC Denali Power Wheels Truck were awarded.

Proceeds will be used to build a pavilion at the post to replace a donated tent.

Kathy Brightman, who organized the event, was grateful for the turnout from both veterans and community members. The biggest goal of the day was to make sure veterans knew they weren’t alone.

“I just believe that someone that fights for your country needs to be taken care of a lot better than how they have been in the past, but we have a great town here in Dartmouth, you can tell by the turnout,” Brightman said.