Cool water, free fun kick off summer at Lake Fest

By Jeremy Henderson, Army Flier Staff WriterMay 7, 2015

Cool water, free fun kick off summer at Lake Fest
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 7, 2015) -- It's beginning to feel a lot like summer, but cool water and free fun are just around the corner.

The Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosts Lake Fest May 16 from noon to 6 p.m. at Lake Tholocco's West Beach.

"Lake Fest is a great way to celebrate the beginning of summer," Kristi Fink, DFMWR special events coordinator, said. "There are a lot of fun and free activities.

"Two of my favorite activities are the sand castle contest and the frozen T-shirt contest," she added. "Building a sand castle together as a family creates memories to last a lifetime. We will also have a volleyball tournament, so grab some friends and get a team together. Families are always on the go, so busy with everyday activities. Fort Rucker Lake Fest brings families together for a fun-filled, free day at the beach."

Participation in the sand castle contest and volleyball tournament is free and there is no need to register in advance, Fink said. The sand castle contest is 12:20-3:30 p.m.

"We have award categories for individuals and families building sand castles," Fink said. "I would suggest bringing buckets and shovels, but we will have some available on a first-come, first-served basis."

The volleyball tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. and lasts until all games are completed. Each team must have at least four people.

"If someone does not have a team, they can check in at the registration table and be added to a team," Fink said.

Canoes and paddle boats will be available to use for free. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while using a canoe or paddle boat. All patrons will need to wear a life jacket.

This year's Lake Fest features a car show. All vehicles are welcome. Registration will cost $10 and will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. The car show will take place from noon to 4 p.m. with an awards presentation immediately after the show.

Lake Fest is free and open to the public. Families need only bring money to purchase food from vendors on site.

"Please make sure to bring sunscreen and life jackets, although we will have life jackets available for use, but it is first come, first served," Fink said. "Patrons should also bring what they need for a day at the beach. Towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, etc. We do not allow pets or glass containers."

Approximately 2,500 patrons attended last year's Lake Fest. Fink said she believes the car show will draw an even larger crowd to this year's event.

For more information, call 255-1749.

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Fort Rucker, Ala.

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