FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 28, 2012) -- Fort Rucker will be holding its marquee event, Freedom Fest, July 3 from 3:30 p.m.-10 p.m. As in previous years, the annual celebration of the nation's independence will feature a wide variety of attractions for adults and children alike.
"We strive each year to make Freedom Fest something the entire community can take part in and celebrate with us," said Janice Erdlitz, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation marketing director.
"I think Freedom Fest has the ability to pull at our patriotic heart strings. It's an event like no other with thousands of people joined together to enjoy the splendors of all things that make our nation so great," she said
Headlining the night's festivities will be appearances by rising country music star Natalie Stovall and the 98th Army Silver Wings band, as well as a return appearance by last year's hugely popular headliner, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.
"We hope everyone comes ready to party; we have an amazing line up of talented musicians performing," said Erdlitz. "We had Ms. Stovall here for a performance earlier this year and we knew she would be the perfect fit for Freedom Fest, [and] we are so excited to have Gary Sinise back for another tour of duty … he put on an amazing show last year with the Lt. Dan Band. The fans loved it. We are lucky when we can get such a huge supporter of our troops to perform."
Attendees will also have additional activities to participate in such as pony rides and a wrecking ball ride, which can seat the whole Family, as well as old favorites such as the rock wall, mechanical bull and spider mountain bungee.
A free "Warrant Officer Career College Confidence Course" will be available in the Kid's Zone, and also featured will be an "Inflatable Fun World," with single tickets costing $1.
As in previous years, a wide variety of vendors with an even wider variety of delicious food will be available, and for Families' convenience, ATMs will now be available on the festival grounds. A baby changing station will also be available, with air-conditioned tents with sides for privacy.
Freedom Fest culminates at 9 p.m. with a 20-minute fireworks display set to music.
"Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket and kick back and relax," said Erdlitz, adding that the fireworks are her favorite part of the festivities every year. "Enjoy the show. Enjoy your friends around you. The fireworks are spectacular under the Alabama stars.
"Freedom Fest is a celebration for our entire community. When we look around at our neighbors around the Wiregrass, we look forward to this day when we invite everyone out to celebrate our nation's independence with us at Fort Rucker. We all stand together, side by side, Soldier to neighbor and feel the same powerful emotions of being proud Americans," she said.
While festivities will be starting half an hour earlier this year than they did last year, Erdlitz shared that there will be no pool party at Splash preceding Freedom Fest this year.
Freedom Fest is free and open to the public. The only cost will be associated with vendors and the Kid's Zone. There will be $10 unlimited play wristbands in the fun zone area or $8 each for two or more.
For more information on Freedom Fest, call 255-1749 or 255-2292.
Social Sharing