SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- The public is invited to celebrate Independence Day at the annual Fourth of July Spectacular, here.
The daylong event annually attracts between 30,000-50,000 attendees, according to Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation officials.
Activities begin at 6:30 a.m. and conclude with an 8:30 p.m. fireworks show.
The day is designed to provide a variety of activities, games, food and entertainment for all ages: from pony rides for keiki, to top entertainment from the national music scene, as well as midway rides and games for keiki.
The day's activities gradually shift from rides and games on Sills and Desiderio fields over to the main stage area of Weyand Field in the late afternoon. Popular Southern California bands Jack's Mannequin and Hoobastank occupy the main stage beginning at 4 p.m.
By the time Hoobastank leaves the main stage, shortly before 5:30 p.m., the Weyand Field crowd is expected to reach an estimated 40,000-plus for the entire day, according to DFMWR officials.
Those attendance figures annually make the event one of the largest military Fourth of July celebrations, worldwide, DFMWR officials said.
That size also poses planning and logistics challenges that require an entire year of preparation and culminates with 160 DFMWR team members who log a combined 1,300 hours to stage the holiday event.
Kathy Giannetti, DFMWR project officer, is working her 26th straight "Spectacular."
"Every year, there is something new; yet, it's also reassuringly the same every year, and that's what brings back people year after year," said Giannetti.
Noise Warnings
Residents and visitors on post will hear the cannon rehearsal and performance, July 3, 6-10 p.m., and July 4, 7:15-8:30 p.m.
Schedule of Events
Here's what's happening during the daylong festivities:
•6:30 a.m., Late registration for 5K Run/packet pick-up.
•8 a.m., 5K Run starts. The top three male and female finishers receive awards in the following age groups: 17 and under, 18-29, 30-39, 40 and above.
•8 a.m., Registration starts for One-Mile Children's Fun Run.
•9 a.m., One-Mile Children's Fun Run; entry is free. Information booth, event T-shirt sales, ATM, lost and found open.
•10 a.m.-6 p.m., Games and Midway rides open; tickets required. New $20 option for unlimited keiki rides from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., not including pony rides. Also, Crafts and New Products Bazaar, Commissary Farmers Market, Mini PX open.
•10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Pony rides area opens.
•10 a.m.-7 p.m., Mechanical bull riding opens.
•10 a.m.-9 p.m., Food booths open.
•11:30 a.m., Military working dog demonstration.
•3:30 p.m., Parachute jump by Skydive Hawaii.
•5:25 p.m., Flag retreat.
•8:30 p.m., Professional fireworks display from the Commissary parking lot
At the Family and MWR Stage
•10:30 a.m., Youth Puppet Show.
•Noon, 25th Infantry Division Band.
•1 p.m., CYSS Rock School, EMKE.
At the Main Stage
•2:30 p.m., Dita Holifield.
•4 p.m., Hoobastank.
•5:35 p.m., Jack's Mannequin.
•7 p.m., Tony Group 2012 Versa prize drawing.
•7:30 p.m., 25th ID Band Concert, featuring "1812 Overture" and 50-state patriotic salute.
Important Information
Participants and spectators are reminded of the following items that apply during the July 4 celebration:
•No pets are allowed on Weyand Field, Sills Field or Desiderio Field.
•All personal fireworks and firecrackers are prohibited on post, including sparklers.
•Attendees may want to bring blankets and low-back chairs, preferred for seating.
•Open flame or charcoal cooking is not permitted, except in picnic areas.
•Canopies/umbrellas are allowed on the field until 4 p.m., and then must be lowered for all concerts.
•Lost children may be found at the Military Police Control Tent on Desiderio Field. Lost and Found will be located at the Information Booth on Weyand Field.
Traffic
Traffic patterns will be modified to accommodate the Fourth of July Spectacular movement.
•The loop from Cadet Sheridan Road to Trimble Road, Humphreys Road and Kolekole Avenue on Schofield Barracks will be closed.
•Due to security requirements, 100-percent ID and vehicle checks will be in progress. Vehicle drivers and all passengers 16 years of age and older are required to show a valid state or federal government ID at the gates. Visitor passes will not be issued for the Fourth of July Spectacular.
•Residents are encouraged to walk to the event if they live on post.
•The Commissary and Flagview Mall stores are closed July 4. The parking lots will close at 9 p.m., July 3, and reopen at 6 a.m., July 5.
Fourth of July Spectacular
For details, call 655-0111 or visit www.mwrarmyhawaii.com.
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