Summer starts late here in the Pacific Northwest and 4th of July weekend marks the beginning of summertime fun. Freedom Fest 2017 is a great way to kick-start your summer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), July 3, at noon for DoD ID cardholders and their sponsored guests only. On July 4, beginning at 11 a.m., the general public can enjoy Freedom Fest.
The Classy Chassis Car Show kicks off at 10 a.m., July 3, at Memorial Stadium. This is a hugely popular event with the entrants as well as the spectators. Competition is fierce for Best of Show.
Memorial Stadium Main Stage will host several bands over the two days of Freedom Fest. Unified Culture, a reggae band; and Hell's Belles, an all-female AC/DC tribute band, performs July 3. The Army Band; The Disco Ballz, a disco band; Darci Carlson, an outlaw country artist; and Harmonious Funk, R&B hits, perform July 4. Memorial Stadium is also the site of the beer garden.
Plenty of children's activities abound with bounce houses, a climbing wall, and games. There is the dedicated Kids World Stage with entertainment rotating throughout the day. In addition, roving entertainment such as Charlie, the juggling clown, provide entertainment on both days of the fest.
Every year, the highlight of Freedom Fest is the fireworks July 4. Plan to arrive early to Cowan Stadium for a good seat. A Salute to the Union begins at 8:30 p.m. followed by the Army Band Concert at 9:30 p.m. The night culminates with a fabulous fireworks show kicking off at 10 p.m.
To join in Freedom Fest activities, follow the information listed below. Remember, July 3 is for DoD ID cardholders only. On a note of caution, be aware, there may be occasional, loud cannon fire.
Access and Parking Information
Guests without an installation access pass should enter JBLM Lewis-Main via the DuPont Gate.
Take Interstate 5 to Exit 119. Northbound travelers should stay to the right as they exit the highway, southbound travelers should turn left as they exit the off-ramp and continue east across the overpass to enter the installation.
Vehicles will be directed to a parking area and occupants will be bussed to and from the event site. Due to security checks, expect some delays when entering the base.
Restrictions
Online Newspapers
The first 4th of July celebration in the Pacific Northwest occurred Monday, July 5, 1841, at Sequalitchew Lake.
Features
Long hours, physically demanding work and high-stakes decision-making are regular parts of a servicemember's work day.
News
Who says fireworks are a waste of money? This 4th of July, they're anything but, as Washington state-based veteran outreach organization The Fallen Outdoors (TFO) raises money to support servicemembers through fireworks sales in Battle Ground,...
Online Newspapers
Fireworks crackling overhead, food sizzling on the grill, and ice-cold beer to cool you off in the summer heat.
Music
How do you take the time-honored bar tradition of the cover band and elevate it?
Online Newspapers
One hundred years after the U.S. entry into World War I, many of the logistics and strategies developed during eetthat era still have an impact on Army operations today - including the use of the division as a stand-alone unit, the employment of...
Online Newspapers
This summer is the 76th anniversary of a very special group of people who endured tremendous hardships and risked their lives to help keep the people of China free from Japanese occupation during World War II.
Online Newspapers
Olympia is the capital city of Washington state and unlike most capital cities, it has a laid-back, kick off your shoes mentality.
Outdoors
The weather forecast for the foreseeable future is going to be HOT! With high temperatures forecasted to be in the upper 80's and 90's, the mission for the day becomes: STAY COOL!
