VOL. 11 NO. 9 June 18, 2010 - July 8, 2010
Fourth of July, the all-American holiday Navy style By Eric Sesit NWS Public Affairs
U.S. Navy photo
After a delicious meal of burgers and hot dogs, what better way to work off those calories than to engage in a sumo-wrestling match. Burgers, hot dogs, lemonade, home-made ice cream, and a cool dip on a hot summer day. Follow it up with watermelon and a spectacular fireworks show and you have the makings for an all-American Fourth of July.
As in years past, Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Charleston will hold its annual Freedom Fest, July 2nd at Marrington Plantation onboard NWS Charleston, just off of Red Bank Road. What orginally began as a simple July 4th picnic many years ago, has morphed into one of the best celebrations in the area. According to MWR spokesman David Holt, this year’s Freedom Fest has something for everyone. “Besides the traditional Fourth of July foods, we’ll have exciting games and activities for the entire family. “In addition to the inflatable jump castles and slides, we’ll have sumo suit wrestling, jousting tournaments and, new for this year, is the hot air balloon rides.” The balloon rides will be available depending on weather conditions. Riders can expect to board the gondola and be lifted about 30 - 50 feet above the ground. “The balloon will be tethered to the ground, so you won’t float off and miss the fireworks show,” Holt said. The highlight of any Fourth of July celebration is the fireworks and this year will be no exception with the fireworks display beginning at approximately 9:00 p.m. There is plenty of free parking inside the plantation and the gates open at 5:00 p.m. Admission is free and attendees should bring their lawn chairs and blankets as well as some insect repellent. If you miss the fireworks at Marrington Plantation, you can still enjoy all the upcoming holiday weekend has to offer by heading over to Short Stay, the Navy’s Recreational facility on Lake Moultrie. Although it’s a good bet that the campground and cabins will be full, you and your family can enjoy an evening of Karaoke July 2 from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. On
U.S. Navy photo
Bring the entire family for one of the best shows in town, Freedom Fest, July 2 at Marringon Plantation. Saturday, July 3, there will be a street dance from 7:00 11:00 p.m. as well as a fireworks display at approximately 9:00 p.m. And on Sunday, there will be a free showing of Alice in Wonderland beginning at dark. There is an admission fee to enter Short Stay: $1.00 per person, 50 cents for children six - 13, and free for kids five and younger.
IN THIS EDITION
Next issue street date
Friday, July 9
Submission deadline
Friday, July 2
New firearms policy See page 6
Joint Chief visits SPAWAR See page 8
Eye on Security See page 12