Veterans Resource Fair at Brookfield Zoo

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA) is pleased to announce the return of its annual veterans resource fair at the Brookfield Zoo. In addition to providing a space for military community members to connect with veteran service organizations, CCVA is honoring Cook County’s Gold Star mothers and families at this year's event. In 1936, the U.S. Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day (now known as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day).

The resource fair will be held on Sunday, September 29 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Brookfield Zoo located at 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 (parking info below).

Schedule of events for the resource fair:

• 1:30 p.m. - Service members can begin arriving
• 2 p.m. - Program begins and formal remarks are given
• 3 p.m. - Animal ambassadors take the stage, service members can visit vendor booths and lunch is provided at no cost
• 5 p.m. - Event concludes, service members can walk the zoo grounds for free

Proof of military service is encouraged. Acceptable forms of identification include: a DD214 with photo ID, Veteran ID card or Military CAC card.

Click the registration link below to RVSP by end of day Friday, September 20, 2024. 

Parking Information

Please enter Brookfield Zoo at the South Gate, located near the corner of Golf Road and Ridgewood Road in Brookfield, IL (3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513). At the parking gate, state you are here for the Cook County Veterans Resource Fair event for to receive complimentary parking. Once past the parking gate, proceed to the right and follow the signs to the Discovery Center. Park in the Discovery Center Parking Lot. Proceed past the Discovery Center and take a left towards the Pavilions. Registration for the event will take place outside the Pavilions.  

Brookfield Zoo will have golf carts available for anyone who needs assistance.