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Kadena gearing up for AmericaFest 2009

  • Published
  • By Walter T. Ham IV
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Planning is already underway for this year's AmericaFest open house, as Kadena prepares to open its gates to the local community July 3 - 4. 

More than 66,000 people attended last year's event, and planners are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year. 

"Last year's event was the first AmericaFest in four years, "said Col. Scott Jarvis, 18th Civil Engineer Group commander and the lead planner for AmericaFest 2009. "Our hope is that as the awareness of the event increases and people come to expect it, we can draw even bigger crowds." 

This year's festival will feature U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Air Self Defense Force static aircraft displays, as well as live musical performances, activities for children and wide selection of food vendors. 

"Following last year's highly successful event, we are excited to host our Japanese friends and neighbors at Kadena again this coming 4th of July," said Brig. Gen. Brett Williams, 18th Wing commander. 

From 3 to 9 p.m. on July 3, the festival will be open for base ID card holders. On July 4, AmericaFest will welcome the local community and base ID card holders from noon to 9 p.m. 

"We are preparing to host another great celebration this year," said General Williams. "AmericaFest 2009 will give us the opportunity to celebrate our nation's birthday while putting on a great family event for the entire island."