FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 17, 2012) -- Sun, sand and swimsuits are just a few of the key ingredients included in Fort Rucker's upcoming Lake Fest, scheduled May 19 from noon to 6 p.m. at Lake Tholocco's West Beach.

"Lake Fest is a great Family-friendly event that features one of Fort Rucker's best outdoor venues," said Kimberley Abeln, annual events coordinator for the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

"For many Soldiers and Families, who are new to Fort Rucker, this is the first time they will visit West Beach and this event lets them explore all the lake has to offer. From swimming and playgrounds to pavilion and boat rentals -- this lake has it all," she said.

This year, Lake Fest will feature inflatable bounce houses, a slide and bungee, flamingo ring toss, bubble blowing, a car show and Ulu Maika, a Hawaiian stone rolling game. A giant game area will also offer versions of checkers, tic-tac-toe and kerplunk, Abeln said.

All of these activities are free, but there will be a few larger rides that require tickets, she added.

The festival will also include a sandcastle contest, volleyball tournament and frozen T-shirt contest, she said. Registration for the sandcastle and volleyball contests is scheduled for noon-1 p.m., but the frozen T-shirt contests, races to see who can unroll and put on a frozen T-shirt the quickest, will be held throughout the day.

Space is limited for the sandcastle contest, so contestants should sign up early, according to Denise Honeycutt, MWR partnership specialist.

There will be three different age categories for the contest, but everyone will walk away with a prize, she said. Some basic tools, like buckets, will be provided but contestants should bring any decorations or other items they want to use to make their sandcastle stand out.

She encouraged people to "come out and have fun" with their sandcastles, adding that judging would begin at 3 p.m.

"This year's event will feature a variety of food vendors, DJ, car show, and plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages having fun all day long," Abeln said. "With all the beautiful weather we're having, it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a piece of paradise right here at Fort Rucker."

During Lake Fest, a shuttle will run from the outdoor recreation parking lot to West Beach once the upper parking lot is full, Abeln added. The event is free except for the larger rides and vendors, but there is no ATM at West Beach. Participants will need to bring cash if they want to purchase food or drinks at the event.