Kadena to celebrate July Fourth with a bang at Marek Park

  • Published
  • By Famela Ridgway
  • 18th Force Support Squadron marketing
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Schilling Community Center in cooperation with other Force Support activities brings to Kadena Air Base what will be the biggest event of the year, with this year's July Fourth Celebration from 3-9 p.m. at Marek Park.

Festivities will conclude with a fireworks show beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Other entertainment, games, food, and prizes for the whole family will be the day's headliners. Local acts like the T-Da Hip Hop Dancers, Shisa Massacre (hard rock), Yemaya Band (R&B), Booze Club (Jazz), and Storm Watch (classic rock) will be on hand to entertain the troops and their families.

Patriotic novelty items such as stars and stripes football and sunglasses, tri-color yo-yos, noisemakers, and other fun items will be given away as well as some exciting prizes. Two iPod Shuffles, a Kodak digital camera, adult bicycle, a Coach purse, and an overnight stay for two at the luxurious Marriott Hotel Resort and Spa are all up for grabs during the raffle drawing. Families can also participate in carnival-style games and contests like jump rope, water balloon relay, Hula Hoop, and bed race, and prizes will be awarded to the winners in each contest. A rock climbing wall will be available as well as paintball for those looking to have a more active time provided by Outdoor Recreation.

The celebration won't be complete without great food and the Rocker NCO Club will be selling Rib-eye steak with all the fixings, as well as assorted beverages and draft beer. Other food and drink vendors will also be available, and those who choose to partake in some libations are strongly encouraged not to drink and drive and provide for an alternate plan or designated driver.

Parking will be available at the Olympic Mall and the Education Center. There will be a shuttle bus running hourly pick-ups and drop-offs starting at 3 p.m., as well as to and from the Rocker NCO Club and the Schilling Community Center for additional parking convenience

The event is for military members and their dependents with SOFA status only and will not be an open-base event. For more information, visit the Kadena Force Support web site here.