Photo By Rick Emert | FORT CARSON, Colo. —Fireworks in Iron Horse Park July 1, 2018, conclude the...... read more read more
By Amber Martin
Garrison Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Warm temperatures and live music kicked off Freedom Fest at Iron Horse Park June 29, 2018, as Fort Carson and the surrounding communities celebrated Independence Day.
This year the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) marked the holiday with a three-day event including an 18-ride carnival with midway games; a free concert headlined by the Eli Young Band; outdoor activities; a Red, White and Blue Run; and a fireworks show.
“It’s really a great event each year,” said Mike O’Donnell, director of DFMWR. “We’re celebrating our national Independence Day, and with the rotation of our Soldiers in and out of theater it’s a great opportunity for the Families to get together with the community.”
Paul Witherspoon, a Reserve Soldier with 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, and his wife, Lajewel Witherspoon, brought their son, Treyton, to experience Freedom Fest for their first time on June 30, 2018. The Witherspoons, who recently arrived to Fort Carson from Atlanta, said they were looking forward to the carnival rides, funnel cake and being out as a family.
“Events like this bring everybody together,” said Paul Witherspoon. “We all have our own Families and we’re all doing our own thing, but you’ll see somebody here and it builds good camaraderie.”
The Witherspoons planned on walking the Red, White and Blue Run as they acclimated to the elevation in Colorado. Treyton was looking forward to his first concert and seeing Swank Sinatra, a hip hop artist and former Fort Carson Soldier. The fireworks display was also a big draw for the family.
“We are going to watch the fireworks,” said Lajewel Witherspoon. “That’s one of the biggest takeaways, especially since they have a ban on fireworks here.
Last year we were in Georgia and able to do them down there, so it will be nice to see them this year also.”
As the celebration continued Saturday afternoon patrons were able to cool off with some cloud cover and milder temperatures.
“We are enjoying the cooler weather today,” said Toni Chambers, a Family member. “This is perfect.”
Toni Chambers and her husband, Austin Chambers, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and their two daughters, Ella and Isabelle, enjoyed the carnival rides, funnel cake and visiting the vendors.
“Events like this are important because it really brings morale up amongst Fort Carson Soldiers and their Families,” said Toni Chambers.
Nick and Ashleigh Kelley enjoyed all three days with their girls, Hadleigh and Paisley. The Fort Carson Family enjoyed the concert June 29, 2018, the Red, White and Blue Run June 30, 2018, and Nick Kelley competed in the four-on-four volleyball tournament July 1, 2018. They closed out their fun-filled weekend by watching the fireworks display.
The three-day celebration concluded Sunday with the “1812 Overture” performed by the 4th Infantry Division’s concert band and a live fireworks show.
Approximately 47,000 Soldiers, civilians and the local community residents attended Freedom Fest.
Members of DFMWR have been planning and coordinating this event for a year. It takes over 100 staff and volunteers to support the event and bring it all together for the community.
“A lot of preparation goes into this event,” said Sarah Rumpza, event coordinator, DFMWR. “This is a huge community-building event that provides the opportunity for the public outside of Fort Carson to come out and enjoy what we have to offer and build those relationships.”
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.21.2018 10:31 |
| Story ID: | 304797 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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