FORT SILL, Okla.-- The third annual Military Appreciation Family Fun Day and Car Show is July 13 at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and activities are free.

Enjoy swimming, water-craft activities, miniature golf, the rock climbing wall, water sliding, paint ball arena, inflatables and a disc jockey. The event is open to all military personnel, their families and the local communities. Lunch is served from noon to 2 p.m.

The Lawton Chamber of Commerce members and their families, and the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will host the event in appreciation of the dedication and contributions of military personnel and their families.

"This event is a way of giving back to the community: both the military and the chamber partners. Everything is free all day," said Master Sgt. Angel Velez Rodriguez, FMWR Co-Op coordinator. "A free lunch will be catered by the Patriot Club with all the picnic-type fixings."

Lunch includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and lots of water and sports drinks.

"We will have a DJ with music pumped into both sides of the lake (beach area and the lodge area), and recreational activities for kids," he said. "We have a rock climbing wall, but you must have closed-toe shoes to climb it; a joust set-up; a boxing ring; and for the kids, there is a sports zone and a cartoon combo inflatable."

Velez Rodriguez said LETRA will offer more shade this year with canopies at the beach area and a covered area by the lodge, as well as banquet and picnic tables spread throughout the area.

"Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers will also be at the event in the beach area selling drinks to ensure everyone stays hydrated in the heat," Velez Rodriguez. "We are intent on making sure everyone stays hydrated in the Oklahoma heat so there will be a water buffalo on site and plenty of cool beverages."

About 2,000 people attend the Military Appreciation and Family Fun Day annually.

Also, be sure to check out the BOSS and 168th Battalion Support Brigade Car Show at LETRA, which will run with the fun day activities. The car show will feature classic and modern cars and trucks domestic and imported. The motorcycle category features cruiser and sports bikes.

"The car show gets bigger and better each year," said Valez Rodriguez. "With the addition of a burnout contest and the loudest stereo competition, the event will continue to grow."

Pre-register for the car show at the Fort Sill Auto Crafts Shop or online at www.sillmwr.com. Cost is $10 for motorcycles, $15 for cars and trucks, $7 for the burnout contest and $7 for the loudest stereo competition. Fees will increase by $5 for day-of registration at the event. For more information, call 580-583-5301.

Sponsors supporting the Military Appreciation Family Fun Day/Car Show include: Lawton/Fort Sill Co-Op: A Community of One, AT&T, Morris Motorsports, USA Discounters, Lawton Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Freedom Furniture and Electronics, Harris Jewelry, The Ross Group Construction Corporation and Goodyear.