Franconia Military Community celebrates 4th Of July

By Mr. Simon Hupfer (Franconian News)July 3, 2013

4th of July at USAG Bamberg
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4th of July at USAG Bamberg
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4th of July at USAG Bamberg
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BAMBERG, Germany (June 25, 2013) -- The Franconia Military Community, which includes U.S. Army garrisons Ansbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt, will hold several events for their community members to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the United States of America July 4.

Community members at U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg can start off their 4th of July at 9 a.m. with a golf tournament or a 5-kilometer run. Throughout the day, various events designed for Families as well as single Soldiers will be held at Bamberg's Pendleton Field and in the area around Freedom Fitness Facility.

"This year's Independence Day will bring a 68-year-long tradition in Bamberg to an end. Literally hundreds of thousands of Americans have gone through this post since 1945, and they all have celebrated 4th of July here. We encourage everybody to come out, support the community spirit and be part of this historical moment," said Brad Cline, acting Family and MWR director.

The main event will kick off at 2 p.m. at Pendleton Field and will feature carnival rides, a high ropes course, bouncy castles, bungee trampolines, a dunk tank, a car show for tuned cars, motorcycles and old-timers, disc jockeys, live entertainment from the United Beat Band and, of course, the traditional fireworks after dusk.

"There'll be plenty of ways to enjoy!"promises Jack Austin, Bamberg's Family and MWR entertainment director. "Take a break from packing and cleaning and join the whole garrison in celebrating the central reason why we are here.

"Close to 5,000 people attended the 4 July event on Pendleton Field last year," continued Austin. "The 2013 fest features some milestones for USAG Bamberg 4 July, notably the largest car show yet with over 60 entries. ... It [also] will be the largest fireworks display in recent memory."

The celebrations are traditionally a team effort under the supervision of Bamberg's Family and MWR. The event is sponsored by Bavarian Motor Cars, who will have a car on display and representatives on-site for questions and information.

The Better Opportunities For Single Soldiers program (BOSS) is featuring the "Soldiers of Sound," Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Carswell of 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, Staff Sgt. Jake Brice, garrison chaplain's assistant, and Pfc. Sonya O'Kelly of 173rd Special Troops Battalion working the turntables on the 4th of July stage.

With additional help from family readiness groups of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 4-319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment and the 54th Engineer Battalion, and private organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Mystery Tie Lodge and the Unity Lodge 92, and the American Red Cross, the celebration will be a true community event. The garrison's local national neighbors are supporting the event with a performance of The Bamberg District Music School Chamber Choir.

Schedule of Events:

9 a.m. - Golf Tournament, at Whispering Pines Golf Course

9 a.m. - 5k Fun Run, starts at JFK Teen Center

11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Auto and motorcycle show, at FFF parking lot

2 p.m. - Main event and rides open, DJs start, at Pendleton Field

2:30 p.m. - Golf tournament awards, at Whispering Pines Golf Course

3 p.m. - Fitness demos, every full hour, Pendleton Field

4:30 p.m. - Garrison commander Lt. Col. Michelle L. Bienias welcomes community, Pendleton Field

5:15 p.m. - Car and motorcycle show trophy presentation

7 to 10:15 p.m. - United Beat Band performance, Pendleton Field

8 p.m. - Audida (chamber choir) performance, Pendleton Field

10:15 p.m. - Fireworks

11 p.m. - End of 4th of July celebrations

USAG Ansbach is also holding a celebration of the country's independence. The garrison has already celebrated by holding a 5- and 10-kilometer fun run June 29 and a concert July 2 featuring Korn and lead-in act Love and Death. For celebrations on the actual day, Ansbach will host several events at Hangar 2 at Katterbach Kaserne from 4 to 10:30 p.m. American Music Abroad will play at 5 p.m., Britta T and Band will play country music at 8 p.m., and fireworks start at dusk. Throughout the event there will be a fun park, a disc jockey playing a variety of music, games, refreshments and more. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/U.S.Army.Garrison.Ansbach.

USAG Schweinfurt celebrates Independence Day with a firecracker fun run at Kessler Field at 9 a.m. The rest of the day's events run from 2 to 11 p.m. and include a face painting, punt/pass/kick, a salute to state flags, bouncy rides, live music, World of Wheels car show and a fireworks display. To find out more, visit teamschweinfurt.com or www.facebook.com/schweinfurtarmy.

Related Links:

USAG Schweinfurt Facebook

4th Of July Poster

USAG Schweinfurt

USAG Ansbach Facebook