Bolling celebrates nation's birthday with 6th annual Freedom Fest

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman R. Michael Longoria
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  "The Chief's Own" celebrated the Fourth of July with the 6th Annual Freedom Fest at Bolling Green Park. 

"Congratulations on a job well done. Our Fourth of July celebrations were phenomenally successful," said Col. Jon A. Roop, 11th Wing commander. "What a team; everyone had a lot of fun thanks to the dedicated volunteerism and hard work of our civilian and military personnel." 

Weather threatened the festivities, like it did in 2004 and 2006, but the sky held up for most of the day. More than 1,000 people gathered along the waterfront for the event. Freedom Fest included a variety of family activities and ended with the traditional fireworks over the nation's capital signifying America's 232nd birthday. 

"Although it rained several times, we had a great turnout and everyone hung in there for the fireworks," said John E. Robinette, 11th Services Division director. "We have received phenomenal feedback from all our customers and commanders." 

Services organized the annual event to celebrate America's independence. It also helps highlight the division, the director said. 

"It's a way to make our customers aware of our programs and services," Mr. Robinette said. "A lot of people are not aware of all we have to offer. It's also a way to give back to the community and enhance morale." 

This year, Freedom Fest included numerous types of activities and entertainment, as well as such Fourth of July classics as food and fireworks. 

"The goal of Freedom Fest was to bring the members of the Bolling community together for a day of great food, entertainment and fun," said Lisa Morin, 11th SVS. "Throughout the day there were events for all people of all ages." 

Services set up a climbing wall, water slides and a surf simulator while the Top 3 rented a dunk booth from outdoor recreation. DJ Chris was on hand and played a variety of music throughout the event. Other entertainers included the IDEA School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps' Drill Team and Drum Line, and the Bollingettes dance team. Clowns Pickles and Sweet Pickles performed magic, made balloon animals and painted faces. 

"Services out did themselves this year," said Senior Airman Edward Carr, 11th Wing Public Affairs. "The place was packed. The kids looked like they were having a blast on all the activities they had there for them." 

There was plenty of food to eat; hot dogs, chicken, fish, half smokes, beef kabobs, rice, brats, ice cream, water, soda, popsicles, cotton candy and more were available. Squadron and other private organizations from around the base set up the food booths to help raise funds for unit functions. 

Ms. Morin added that the event was a combined effort from services, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron, 11th Security Forces Squadron, 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron and a number of private organizations throughout the installation. 

Of course, Freedom Fest ended with fireworks exploding over the nation's capital.
"The fireworks were spectacular," Airman Carr said. "Even a little rain didn't stop hundreds of people from watching them go off over D.C. You couldn't find a more perfect location to watch the fireworks." 

In addition to the Freedom Fest activities, services kicked off its "Spirit of Services" campaign. 

"Spirit of Services is about getting people to know services and what we offer," Ms. Morin said. "This was the kickoff and the campaign will run until the end of summer at the pool-closing party Sept. 1. We will be handing out prizes and other give-a-ways throughout the summer, and each services' facility is offering a special coupon." 

At Freedom Fest services handed out "Spirit of Services" gave-a-ways, which included everything from mini-beach balls to a gaming system, in an effort to familiarize people with services and give them information about what it has to offer, according to Ms. Morin.