Traffic jams, long lines, high costs, screaming kids that are not your own, nowhere to sit. Not your kind of party? The folks in charge of entertainment and good-times at Joint Base Lewis McChord have a jam packed day of stree-free family fun planned to celebrate America's Birthday Monday, July 4^th.

Kick it off at 9 a.m. with some old-fashioned physical activity. In its sixth year, the Down & Dirty 8K Mud Run is a summer favorite and full of zany obstacles.  Last year's costume theme of Super Heroes is being one-upped by that Cartoon Characters. Prizes and bragging rights for best three costumes are at stake. Give 100% in the dress-up department, the competition will be fierce. The run itself is on an off-road course and getting wet is all-but guaranteed. Open to the general public and military alike, don't forget this race is down-and-dirty only where the mud comes in. Packet pick-up starts at 7:30 a.m., race at 9 a.m. Soldiers Field House, Bldg #3236, on 2nd Division Drive & Handrich.

Classy Chassis Car Show gets under way in the Memorial Stadium at 10 a.m. Fun for gear heads and kids, feast your eyes on painted up, stripped down, souped up, and tricked out rides in categories of low rider, orphan car, mustang, corvette, muscle car, custom and stock trucks, street rod, classic stock, motorcycle and more. Trophies will be awarded. Giving the young ones a chance to shine, there is a custom bicycle special category for participants age 16 or younger.

Multiple bounce-houses, carnival rides, a kids activity area, and fair-type games along with food vendors and craft booths will keep the family and kiddos happy throughout the day until the it's time to get your rock'n'roll on. Gary Sinise and the Lieutenant Dan Band hit the stage at the Cowan Stadium at 6:30 p.m. performing covers of crowd-pleasers by Steppenwolf, Jimi Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more.

Cap the day with ooohs and aaahs at a dazzling fireworks show to commence at full dark.

The all-day event is open to the general public. I.D. required. No admission cost. General Public must use I-5 Exit 119.

[Lewis Main, Ligget Ave and 12 St., JBLM Freedom Fest information can be had at 253-477-4299]