Fun in the sun: Lake Fest welcomes summer

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterMay 22, 2015

Fun in the sun: Lake Fest welcomes summer
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Fun in the sun: Lake Fest welcomes summer
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Fun in the sun: Lake Fest welcomes summer
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 22, 2015) -- Despite threats of looming storms, about 1,500 people made their way out to Lake Tholocco's West Beach May 16 to celebrate one of Fort Rucker's most popular attractions.

With activities for all ages to enjoy, Lake Fest was a huge success, according to Kristi Fink, special events coordinator for the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

The festivities included a car show, a Lake Fest first, which featured 35 different vehicles ranging from classic cars, vintage Volkswagens, brand-new muscle cars and the aptly dubbed T-Rex -- the undisputed star of the show was a customized Ford F-350, which included a tilt bed, tilt cowl hood, Lambo doors, semi wheels and tires, 28 air horns, four 200 psi air systems, electric retractable cover and seats that swivel outward to reveal an enormous 65-inch TV in the back as the ultimate entertainment center.

"That truck was unbelievable," said Kevin Davis, civilian from Enterprise. "I'd never seen anything like it. I can't imagine the amount of work that went into putting something like that together."

J.C. Hines, owner of T-Rex, said he purchased the vehicle in 2004 and has been modifying it nonstop since, and confessed that he still has at least two years of work left in it before its complete.

But most people were at Lake Fest for more than cars, and the event had plenty of other amenities to keep people entertained, including an inflatable water slide, volleyball tournaments, sand castle building contests and a frozen T-shirt contest, during which families and participants had to race to unravel their frozen T-shirt and put it on before any other contestant.

"It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be," said Jason Dixon, military family member. "The shirts were frozen a lot harder than I thought they were going to be. They were almost like blocks of ice. I had to use my teeth just to try to get it loose sometimes."

The volleyball competition was another arena where the competition got heated as eight teams went head to head to compete for the title of Lake Fest champs.

Lake Fest also featured paddle boats and kayaks available for people to use to take a tour of the lake at their own leisurely pace.

"That was one of my favorite things of the day," said Charlie Hastings, military spouse. "It's nice to be around the crowds sometimes when you're feeling social, but it's also nice to just be able to get away for a bit and enjoy the water out in the lake. It's not often you get to do that and I absolutely loved it."

Not everyone took part in the events, however, as some came out just to enjoy the sun, sand and splash of the water with family and friends.

"I'm not much for boating or sports or anything like that, but I'm not one to pass up a nice day on a beach in the sun, so this was a perfect opportunity for me to do that," said Jacob Fleisner, civilian. "I had originally planned on going to the beach in Florida this weekend, but the storms changed my plans. This was a great contingency plan. I'm glad that I came out."

Although storms did eventually roll in around 4 p.m., it didn't dampen the spirits of those who came out to enjoy the event.

"It turned out to be a beautiful day -- the storms held off, so it was a great turnout," said Fink. "Lake Fest is a great, free, family friendly event that MWR puts on for the community as a way to welcome people to the upcoming summer celebration."

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Fort Rucker, Ala.

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