By Justin Creech
Staff writer
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Soldiers, Department of Defense civilians, military retirees, and their Families, who want fireworks and cookouts for the Fourth of July, come to Freemont Field, Wednesday, for the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Freedom Fest from 5-10 p.m.
Mediterranean food, wraps, kabobs, hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes, pulled pork sandwiches, ribs and homemade custard are among the food items available at the event; as is a performance by the Lionel Ward and The New World Band.
Admission is free and only cash will be accepted for purchases.
A fireworks display will take place around 9:30 p.m.
The best part is, Families and Soldiers don’t have to fight traffic and search for parking since the event is in their backyard.
“They can avoid the traffic and hassle of going to D.C.,” said Ryan Moran, DFMWR Community Activities coordinator. “They can stay here and see fireworks in their own backyard.”
Lionel Ward, an Elvis Presley impersonator, performed at Freedom Fest in 2009 and other events on post since then.
“He puts on a really good show,” Moran said. “We are excited to have him this year.”
For everyone’s safety, personal fireworks, sparklers, grills, and glass bottles are prohibited at the event.
Parking is available at Fort Belvoir Elementary School, the Community Center, Commissary, Post Exchange and Woodlawn Chapel.
The Reserve Center on Gunston Road and the JoAnn Blanks Child Development Center are also available for parking.
Those who decide to park at the Community Center and JoAnn Blanks CDC may cross Route 1 at the intersection of Belvoir Road and Route 1, where a police escort will be provided.
Between the food, live entertainment and fireworks; Families, Soldiers and DoD civilians who come will have plenty of options to keep themselves entertained.
“It’s a great time for Families and Soldiers to come, relax, throw the football and Frisbee around,” said Moran. “They can also enjoy a few sodas, some food and listen to music.”
Anyone interested in volunteering to work during Freedom Fest should contact Ryan Moran at (703) 805-9249.
