Looking for tri-border summer fun' Start here

By Tom Budzyna, USAG Schinnen Public AffairsJune 24, 2010

Enjoy America Fest
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America Fest
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America Fest
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SCHINNEN, Netherlands - Free use of an outdoor pavilion, access to a brand new scoring system in the bowling center and the big annual American Fest July 3 - all this and more is on offer this summer by the USAG Schinnen Directorate for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

"We're encouraging everyone to attend the American Fest July 3. It's one of the largest events held in the tri-border region each year and personnel from Geilenkirchen, JFC Brunssum and USAG Schinnen are working hard to make this year's fest a great success," said Kim Wayland, Director for the USAG Schinnen DFMWR.

USAG Schinnen, Geilenkirchen and JFC Brunssum alternatively host the annual America Fest and this year USAG Schinnen is coordinating the wide array of events, rides, live music, food, fireworks and more. The day begins on the JFC Brunssum Sports Fields with a 5k run, 10 a.m. To preregister for the 5k run, stop by the USAG Schinnen Fitness Center.The fest starts at noon and continues until the evening fireworks display.

The July 3 fest is open to NATO/US ID cardholders, their family members and their guests; and to Dutch Ministry of Defense employees, their family members and their guests. Please, do not bring coolers or picnic baskets.

"The American Fest is just the start of summer fun. For no cost, NATO/US ID cardholders can reserve the use of our pavilion, which is next to the USAG Schinnen Sports Field, children's playground and volleyball court. We do ask customers to provide a deposit, but as long as the pavilion is returned the way it was given, the deposit is returned and its use is absolutely free," Wayland said.

"We strongly encourage our NATO colleagues to contact us. With a little planning we can arrange installation access for bowling parties, birthday parties or other special events. The number to call is +31(0)46-443-7207," said Wayland.

The USAG Schinnen Bowling Center underwent $110,000 in improvements, too.

"The Bowling Center on Schinnen completed installing a new scoring system in June that features fantastic graphics, with ball speed detection and big 42-inch flat screen monitors on every one of our 12 lanes," said USAG Schinnen's Business Manager Melissa Broadwater.

"The new screens and scoring system are awesome and we have 'penny-a-pin' bowling every Saturday 5 p.m. Check it out!" said Broadwater.

To get the latest information, go to the <a href="http://www.usagschinnen.eur.army.mil" target="_blank">USAG Schinnen website </a> to find links to the Community Calendar, Special Events, Trips & Tours, and links to the Tri-Border Reporter newspaper, Stars and Stripes, and more.