AmericaFest preparations continue

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kenya Shiloh
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  The 18th Wing continues preparations for the first Americafest held in four years, July 4 and 5 at Kadena Air Base. 

Highlights from the 2008 open house include aircraft static displays, performances by rock group Eve 6, fireworks, kiddie land and a variety of food vendors. The event will blend cultural exchange, music, food and fun with an opportunity for members of the military and local community to see various U.S. aircraft up-close, and interact with flight crews. 

"This is an opportunity for the base to open its doors to our friends in the local community and give them an up-close view of our mission, our aircraft and our Airmen," said Col. Michael Hass, 18th Civil Engineer Group commander and AmericaFest director. "We also want to take this opportunity to put on a special event for all the men and women and their families who make the mission happen here every day." 

Aircraft static displays featured at this year's event include the F-15, HH-60, E-3, KC-135, MC-130H, MC-130P, F-16, A-10, AV-8B, SH-60B, AH-1W, CH-46E, CH-53E, C-130J, UH-1N, C-172 from the Aero Club, and a Patriot Missile Battery from the 1-1 Air Defense Artillery. 

Gates are scheduled to open at 11 a.m. and inbound lanes will close at 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Friday, July 4th is specifically set aside as an appreciation day for military members, base civilian employees, and military families. On July 5th gates will open to the general public. 

Those driving to see the festivities, island residents and other guests will be escorted onto the base through the contractor gate from Route 74 and through Gate 4 from Route 58 onto the flightline. 

A free shuttle bus will also run from Chibana Golf Course beginning at noon and running every 20 minutes, for those who desire to park off base. 

On both days DOD civilian and military ID card holders may access Kadena Air Base through either gates 1, 2, 3 or 4. All bags carried onto the installation will be subject to search. Visitors are asked not to carry large purses, backpacks, any knives or weapons, scissors or sharp objects. 

Lightweight baby strollers and umbrellas are permitted at the AmericaFest, but pets are not allowed. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen. Beverages will be sold during the event including water, soft drinks and beer. Beer will only be sold to people ages 21 and older. Smoking is prohibited. 

AmericaFest is designed to promote friendship and foster mutual appreciation and understanding between the local community and Americans assigned to Kadena. 

Kadena officials will provide further details about AmericaFest to include specifics on base access closer to the event date. Specific information pertaining to AmericaFest will be presented in the July 3 issue of the Kadena Shogun and accessed online at www.kadena.af.mil.