MVC staff member Cari Chlarson paints a butterfly on Ashley Cox, 7, during the Mountain Vista Communities Summer Bash Saturday. The free face painting was considered a hit.
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Ethan Issac, 9, celebrates his win in the 9-and-under Jell-O eating contest. He won a $10 gift card to Cinemark and a $5 gift card to Lucky Wishbone.
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Girl Scouts Troop 603 and Cub Scouts Pack 431 had informational booths set up encouraging others to join.
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Mountain Vista Communities staff members Stephanie Martin (left) and Tyler Hardt served up free snow cones throughout the entire Mountain Vista Communities Summer Fun Bash, Saturday.
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FORT HUACHCUA, Ariz. - When one thinks of 'summertime' images of picnics, food, fun, visiting with neighbors, block parties and county fairs come to mind. However, an ideal summer activity would be a combination of all activities one associates with summer.

On Saturday, Mountain Vista Communities, the organization that manages Fort Huachuca's military housing, hosted their 2nd Annual Summer Bash which combined many of these activities into one event. Unlike the monthly free-of-charge events open only to the families living in on-post housing, this is one of few that is open to the entire military community.

Nearly 300 people came out for the free festivities, food and contests. MVC resident Amy Campbell said, "We appreciated that there were activities for everyone, from the little kids to family games and even some nice shopping opportunities. The food provided was a very nice touch. It was an opportunity to see some of the local businesses. One part we liked the best was seeing all the people from MVC taking part, helping and having fun. It felt a lot like a family reunion."

All 37 vendors who attended Saturday's events were either residents living in family housing or who have somehow been involved with the Armed Forces.

Vendor Diane Johnson with Bag It Up DJ called it a "great event and well organized! It was so good to see so many locally based small businesses out to offer such a fun time for the troops and their families. Kudos to Mountain Vista Communities!"

Vendor Josh Jacobson, owner of Lucky Wishbone, said "Being a new business in Sierra Vista, exposure is key. My restaurant was able to gain valuable exposure at the Summer Bash, while thanking the troops at the same time with a free lunch. We had several great compliments on our food, and overall it was a very positive experience we look forward to participating in again next year."

The Summer Bash is the biggest event that Mountain Vista Communities hosts each year, and it is something they hope to continue annually to help welcome the summer influx of families and introduce the local vendors to the entire Fort Huachuca community.