SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (June 28, 2013) -- The countdown is on for U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii's 42nd annual 4th of July Spectacular, set to take place once again on Weyand Field, here, July 4.
Per tradition, festivities such as pony rides, midway games, rides, crafts, a new products bazaar and food booths will grace the grassy field throughout the day, beginning at 10 a.m., with a rocking concert and awe-inspiring fireworks display to close out the night.
However, this year, with most Hawaii-based service members home from deployment for the first time in nearly a decade, and with safety concerns at the forefront of Army officials' minds, the celebration will only be open to Department of Defense ID cardholders, to include military members, their families, military retirees, DOD civilian employees and their authorized guests.
"Ensuring safety and security on our installations is always the Army's top priority," said Col. Daniel Whitney, commander, USAG-HI, in a press release, "and maintaining safety, capacity and security at a large event like this is absolutely critical."
The July 4th event annually attracts 30,000-50,000 attendees, and Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation officials are expecting Schofield Barracks will reach maximum field capacity this year.
Adding to the large draw is a headlining performance by the chart-topping pop rock band OneRepublic. The band recently released its third album, "Native," and is on its first Armed Forces Entertainment tour, with stops scheduled in Okinawa and Narita, Japan.
OneRepublic, whose first single, "Apologize," made radio history when it received the largest amount of airplay in one week, is anticipated to attract major attendance from the military community throughout the island.
Opening for OneRepublic is alternative rock band Switchfoot. Originally from San Diego, Ca., the band is currently working on its new album and movie, titled "Fading West,"^scheduled for release this summer.
Also on deck are live musical performances by bands such as Delayed Resistance, Above Reproach, Any Given Chance and EMKE at the Family and MWR stage (near the flagpole on Weyand Field), and family-friendly rides and games offered throughout the day on Sills and Desiderio fields.
Tickets will be required this year for games and rides (food and drink are cash only), and wristbands may be purcahsed for $20, between 10 a.m.-noon, for unlimited rides on Xtreme Fun Rides and inflatables,10 a.m.-2 p.m., and a one-time go up the climbing wall. (Wristbands will only be sold at the ticket booth on the corner of Fournier Road, close to the event Information Booth, and do not include mechanical bull or pony rides.)
Other attractions not to be missed include a live flag retreat, a patriotic salute by the 25th Infantry Division Band and a car giveaway by event sponsor Cutter Ford -- oh, and those spectacular fireworks that are sure to end the night with a bang.
"We sincerly thank the Army Recycle Center and the many businesses that provide us the funds necessary to produce the 42nd annual 4th of July Spectacular here at Schofield Barracks,"^said Kathy Giannetti, chief, special events, Family and MWR. "Without their support, this event would not be possible."
Traffic Advisory
DOD ID cardholders and their authorized guests can access USAG-HI's 42nd annual 4th of July Spectacular through Foote, Lyman, McNair and Macomb gates.
The following gate hours will be in effect for the event:
•Macomb, Foote and Kawamura gates will be open to inbound and outbound traffic, 5 a.m.-8 p.m.; open to outbound traffic only, 8 p.m.-midnight; and closed to all traffic beginning at midnight.
•McNair Gate will be open to inbound and outbound traffic, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; open to outbound traffic only, 8 p.m.-midnight; and open to inbound and outbound traffic beginning at midnight.
•Lyman and Kunia gates will have normal operating hours, with normal traffic patterns.
Additionally, the following roads will be closed, 8 p.m.-midnight:
•Ayres Avenue, from McMahon Road to McCornack Road;
•Waianae Avenue, from McCornack Road to Ayres Road;
•Leilehua Avenue, from McCornack Road to Macomb Road; and
•Flagler Avenue, from Lyman Road to Foote Avenue.
There will be one-way traffic on both lanes of McCornack Road from Cadet Sheridan Road to McNair Gate from 8 p.m.-midnight. North Shore traffic will travel in the left lane; Honolulu traffic will travel in the right lane.
As a reminder, all guests must be accompanied by DOD ID cardholders when entering the installation. All drivers must possess valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance, and all vehicles are subject to search at any time while on the installation.
Public parking will be available; however, the garrison's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation advises spectators to walk, rather than drive, if possible, to the event to help ease traffic congestion.
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