FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Freedom Fest returns to Fort Rucker June 30 when the skies over the installation will be lit with one of the largest fireworks show in the area.
This year's event will run from 4-10 p.m. and feature live music, food vendors and activities for family members to enjoy -- from static displays to rides for children, according to Katie Oskey, Fort Rucker Directorate of Family, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation recreation delivery system program manager.
"This is a great event to bring your family to," she said. "There are a lot of different food vendors out there, activities for the kids and it's a safe, fun environment for everyone to enjoy."
Freedom Fest is open to the public and people are invited to enjoy the festivities that will include a Kids Zone for children, complete with inflatables and rides, said Oskey. Armbands for the Kids Zone can be purchased for $10 with each additional band costing $8, which includes unlimited rides and inflatable access.
In addition to the Kids Zone, the Warrant Officer Career College obstacle course will return, giving children the chance to test their mettle as they climb, jump and swing through the course.
The official opening remarks will begin at 7 p.m. followed by live performances from Enterprise State Community College, the Maneuver Center of Excellence rock band out of Fort Benning, Georgia, as well as the Fort Rucker detachment's rock band, Crossfire, said Staff Sgt. William Peters, NCO in charge and drummer for Crossfire.
The bands will perform from 7-9 p.m. and feature music from different genres, including rock, funk and a bit of country, said Peters, during a show that promises keep people moving in their seats.
"We're just looking to put on a good performance, especially since it's the 4th of July and we'll be celebrating our Independence Day," said the NCOIC. "Our goal is to put on something that everyone can appreciate as we celebrate the holiday."
Following the performances, the Fort Rucker skies will ignite in a colorful display of one of the largest fireworks shows in the area to the sounds of patriotic music -- a Fort Rucker tradition, said Lynn Avila, Fort Rucker special events coordinator.
"This is a family tradition for locals," she said. "People should keep that tradition going and create that memory for their kids, and for military families, this is a great opportunity to meet new families and meet new people."
People must have a valid ID and visitor's pass to access the installation, which can be obtained from one of two visitor control centers at the Daleville and Ozark gates.
The Daleville VCC is open Mondays-Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Ozark VCC is open Mondays-Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors must obtain a pass prior to the day of Freedom Fest, said Avila.
Also, for safety purposes, there are some items that are prohibited at Freedom Fest, which include coolers, backpacks (except for medical and baby care items), pets, fireworks of any kind, glass containers, weapons of any kind, bicycles, scooters, rollerblades and skateboards.
For more information, call 255-1749.
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