That bang will be APG's live fire demonstration, which decades ago was one of the community's favorite Armed Forces Week displays.

Always a crowd pleaser, the live-fire will take place Saturday, May 19, and will be the first time it has been included in APG's Armed Forces Week celebrations since the early 1990s.

The live fire begins at 3:15 p.m. at the installation's main front firing range, but the public can begin taking in the sights at 1 p.m. with interactive static vehicle displays and military equipment exhibits. A parade of vehicles, including the M1, Stryker, MRAP, Bradley, and Humvee, is scheduled at 2:45 p.m.

Heather Gryp of U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, which is sponsoring the event, said entry to the live fire demonstration requires tickets, which can be picked up starting at 1 p.m. on May 2 at the APG North recreation center.

"Each person can pick up five tickets," Gryp said, "and seating will be first-come, first-served."

Spectators cannot bring their own seating, and photography and videotaping are not permitted.

Children under age 4 are prohibited from attending the live fire demonstration due to safety concerns. Foam ear plugs will be distributed before the event begins, but young children may not be able to keep the hearing protection lodged in their ears. Extremely high (noise) decibels and percussion from the large caliber weapon systems can be hazardous to hearing, according to the ATC Safety Office.

For more information about the live fire, call 410-278-4715.

Armed Forces Week officially begins May 14. This year's theme "Heroes on the Home Front," recognizes local heroes, both military and civilian.

Those heroes will be recognized at each Armed Forces Week event, including the May 14 Armed Forces Day golf tournament at Ruggles Golf Course, where a continental breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. and the tournament begin with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Rik Bond, APG Golf Program manager and PGA professional, said he expects 144 golfers to participate. Seventy have signed up already. For more information, call 410-278-4794.

Veterans will be honored at a luncheon at Top of the Bay May 15. Any veteran with past or current military service is welcome to attend. To register, call 410-278-3000.

May 16 begins with a Gold Star Family Breakfast (by invitation only) at 8 a.m. Armed Forces Day activities start at 9 a.m. on the APG museum grounds. The public is welcome to watch demonstrations and view static displays hosted by APG organizations.

"The Volunteers," the U.S. Army's premier touring show band, will provide entertainment. "Leftstronger," a Baltimore-area band, is also scheduled to perform.

Freestate ChalleNGe cadets will entertain the audience with a drill competition, and randomly picked audience members can serve as judges.

Other demonstrations will include explosive ordnance disposal, decontamination examples and helicopter and canine demonstrations.

A variety of foods will be offered by 1SG BBQ, Tim's Treats and Big Boy's. Activities for children include a live wildlife exhibit, Kiddie Corner, McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog, D.A.R.E. activities and fire-fighting displays.

For information about the activities, call 410-278-4500.

On May 17, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce will host the Military Appreciation Luncheon at Richlin Ballroom. For more information on the luncheon, call 410-838-2020.

On the morning of May 19 a 10K run begins at 8 a.m. and a two-mile fun run kicks off at 8:30 a.m., starting at the APG Athletic Center.

Byron Reasin, APG North's athletic center facility manager, said 63 runners/walkers have registered so far. He said 182 people participated in last year's event. To register for the 10K or two-mile fun run, call 410-278-7933.

To attend Armed Forces Day, visitors without a government ID must enter the installation through the Maryland Boulevard (Route 715) gate off Route 40. Visitors age 16 and older must have a photo ID, and drivers must present a valid driver's license and vehicle registration.

For more information, call the APG Public Affairs Office at 410-278-1151/1147.