Fort Benning's annual Independence Celebration will start at 3 p.m. June 28 on Fort Benning's York Field. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. As always, we host this event the weekend prior to July 4 to accommodate our military Families who like to travel during the holiday.

The event is free and open to the public. Guests will not have to register vehicles for access to post; just make sure everyone in your car 16 and older has a photo ID when you drive through the gate. Follow the signs to York Field.

Guests can enjoy music, a variety of games and a chance to jump from the 34-foot Airborne training tower. A variety of food options include funnel cakes, barbecue, hotdogs and more.

The Airborne training tower on Eubanks Field will be manned by Airborne School cadre, who will determine who is eligible to jump based on age, weight and physical impairment. If the heat index soars, the event will be canceled, as the metal towers are dangerous when temperatures exceed 98 degrees.

Kids can enjoy unlimited access to more than 25 inflatable bounce houses and the WOW! Kids' Zone, which includes crafts, art, face painting, temporary tattoos and more - all free, thanks to our WOW! Kids' Zone sponsor, Destination America, part of the Discovery family of networks.

Entertainment will include performances by Natalie Stovall and the MCoE Band, a SPIES & FRIES exhibition and the Silver Wings Parachute Exhibition Team.

The celebration will culminate with the largest fireworks show in the Chattahoochee Valley. The fireworks show is choreographed to the 1812 Overture, performed by the MCoE Band, and includes a 50-gun salute.

Kia Autosport of Columbus will give away a free Kia Soul to an active-duty Soldier or the spouse of an active-duty Soldier. Register at benningmwr.com until June 26.

Food vendors only accept tokens at the Independence Celebration. Tokens are on sale weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second floor of the Benning Club's East Wing.

Tokens will also be available on site for $1 each at the Token Trailer. Unused tokens will be refunded for full value on site. An ATM will also be located on York Field.

Aside from Ranger Joe's, Legacy Chevrolet, WOW! and Kia Autosport, we also thank the following sponsors: Verizon Wireless, CB&T, First Command, University of Phoenix, USA Discounters, USAA, Whitewater Express, Wells Fargo, Home-Towne Suites, AFBN, Sprint, Clear Channel Communications and Rock 103, Recon Sportswear and Salute to the Troops.

Safety Cab, sponsored by Kinetic Credit Union, will give free rides home from 9 p.m. to midnight to those who have consumed alcohol. Call 706-464-5915.

This event is physically accessible to individuals with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other accommodations should be directed to 706-545-4499.