Join Redstone for Army’s 249th Birthday party

By Eric SchultzJune 5, 2024

This 1983 Datsun 280 ZX, with only 117,000 miles on it, belongs to David Malone. The car was an entrant in the car show at the 2023 Army Birthday Celebration on June 10.
This 1983 Datsun 280 ZX, with only 117,000 miles on it, belongs to David Malone. The car was an entrant in the car show at the 2023 Army Birthday Celebration on June 10. (Photo Credit: Jonathan Stinson ...) VIEW ORIGINAL

Redstone Arsenal will celebrate the Army’s 249th birthday with a party June 15 at the Redstone Gateway.

“We kick things off at 4 p.m.,” Stephanie Stone, marketing manager for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said. “We have a car show. So, it’s a chance for them to showcase their vehicle.”

The public will vote for their favorite in three categories: cars, trucks and jeeps. There will be award prizes for first, second and third place in each category.

“Registration is still open,” Stone said. “We will keep it open through June 7.”

This year’s Army Birthday Celebration is again at Redstone Gateway where it has been for the last three years.

“It’s easier for the public to access,” Stone said. “It doesn’t require any special gate openings on the weekends.”

DJ Slim Robb will be on hand to provide music during the event.

At 5 p.m., there is a ceremony to cut the Army Birthday cake.

“We have the Great American Cookies company providing free cookie cake to the crowd,” Stone said. “As long as supplies last.”

The Bicho Brothers will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

“They’re like a ‘70s rock cover band from Nashville who play standards,” Stone said

The Bicho Brothers playlist includes songs like the Eagles and Rolling Stones to Santana, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Dire Straits, BTO, Neil Young, War, Joe Cocker, Little Feat, Delbert McClinton and Loggins & Messina.

And what would an Army party be without loud booms and explosions?

“The fireworks will begin at 8:45 and will be over the little lake at Redstone Gateway,” Stone said.

She wants to make sure people are aware this is a free event.

“There are no parking fees, there’s no admission fees. It’s open to everyone,” she said. “There is free public parking at the Boeing complex. They can walk right across the street!”

Also, there will be plenty of food and beverage available for purchase. The Redstone Gateway restaurants will be open and there will also be food trucks.

“It’s a family-friendly event,” Stone said. “All ages, family friendly, there are kids’ activities including inflatables and face painting.”

The Redstone Army Birthday is a rain or shine event. In the case of severe weather, follow Team Redstone for any weather calls.

“It did drizzle last year,” Stone said. “But it didn’t shut it down.”

Family and MWR and Redstone Gateway celebrate the 249th Army Birthday on

Saturday, June 15 from 4-9 p.m. at Redstone Gateway, just outside Gate 9.