Futenma Flight Line Fair features food, fun for family

Photo By Sgt. Jessica Collins | Kimberly Perry, the lead vocalist of The Band Perry, sings onstage Sept. 24 during the Flight Line Fair at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. MCAS Futenma opened its flight line to Status of Forces Agreement Personnel and Okinawa residents as they enjoyed local vendors, games and a performance by The Band Perry. The Band Perry is an American country group featuring siblings Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry. Perry thanked the audience for their sacrifices overseas and said she felt honored to be able to perform for them. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessica Collins)  

FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.24.2016

Story by Cpl. Jessica Collins 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma opened its gates Sept. 24-25 for the Futenma Flight Line Fair 2016.
The annual open-gate event strengthened the relationship between Status of Forces Agreement personnel and Okinawa residents and reeled in more than 30,000 attendees.
During the fair, guests sampled food from local vendors, played games for prizes, and enjoyed live performances by American and Japanese bands.
“Getting to share this with my friends from out in town was a great opportunity,” said Sgt. Zachary Nigh,a Plainfield, Wisconsin, native and defense message system specialist with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. “I enjoy exploring this island and it’s nice to be able to spend time with my friends and share a little of our culture too.”
As the sun set, American country group, The Band Perry stepped onto the stage to perform a live, free concert.
“It’s nice for Okinawa residents to see what we do here, especially when it’s such a prominent location,” said Marissa Desmet with Marine Corps Community Services Marketing. “It helps them feel a part of our community and we get to learn more about each other.”
Open-gate events like this allow local residents to take a peek into the daily lives of U.S. Marines and experience American culture through food, fun and family activities.
After the concert, The Band Perry invited select attendees backstage to take photos and receive autographed photos.
The annual fair is one of the many community relations events coordinated by Marines on Futenma that furthers the bilateral relationship between SOFA personnel and Okinawa residents. For more information on upcoming community events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.mccsokinawa.com or contact your local Single Marine Program office.

• Date Taken: 09.24.2016
• Date Posted: 09.28.2016 20:04
• Story ID: 210782
• Location: FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: PLAINFIELD, WI, US