This year’s Summer Bash, hosted by the 412th Force Support Squadron, drew thousands of active duty and civilian personnel and their families to celebrate Independence Day at Wings Field at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., July 4.
The annual festivities brought more than 2,500 people and featured carnival rides, 18-food and informational booths, an exotic car show, various contests, two country music bands and a fireworks show.
The 412th Test Wing vice commander, Col. Kirk Reagan, kicked off the main activities by thanking the organizers and emphasizing the hometown, tight-knit community that is Edwards Air Force Base.
“We go to work together, we live together, eat together and we sit on the sidelines at sporting events with our children,” said Reagan. “It’s a great family environment.”
Following the official kick off, adventure seekers of all ages tried their luck at the pie eating contest, hula hoop contest and a roaring game of Simon Says.
After the activities concluded, the night’s entertainment started with Temecula Road–a trio band hailing from Temecula Calif.–and headliner, Parmalee, known for their 2013 hit, Carolina.
“I’m very proud of our 412th FSS Special Events team and our event partners for pulling off such an outstanding event,” said Kayla Fagan, 412th Force Support Marketing Director. “Temecula Road and Parmalee put on a great show and it was awesome to see so many people out on the field enjoying the music.”
Organized by the 412th Force Support Squadron, this year brought two new rides–the Hustler, a spinning wheel thrill ride and motorized swings for younger children.
According to Damion Jones, Community Services Flight Chief, Morale Welfare and Recreation funds were spent putting the event on for the Edwards AFB Community.
The funds, all generated by customers on base through various sales, essentially go back into the community to support events like this which often take more than 600 man hours to plan and execute.
“No matter how many countless hours were tied into this event, at the end of the day, all that matters to Team FSS is serving those that serve us,” said Jones.
The planning for the bash starts several months in advance, and organizers try and expand on the event year after year by adding more rides and entertainment. A parachute team was slated for this year’s show but was canceled due to prevailing winds.
“We look forward to making Summer Bash 2019 an even bigger and better event for our Edwards Air Force Base Community, “said Fagan.