Columbus AFB to celebrate Independence Day with Patriot Fest

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Smoot
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The 14th Flying Training Wing will be hosting Patriot Fest, a family event, featuring music performances by Thompson Square and Easton Corbin July 6 at the Blaze Fit Trail.

"Whether you are a music fanatic or not, everyone should get to experience seeing a band or artist perform live,” said Gwendolyn Granderson, 14th Force Support Squadron supervisory marketing specialist. “Going to a concert with friends and hearing someone perform their music in front of a live audience is so much better that listening to them on your phone or computer."

This free event is open to all Defense Department ID cardholders and family members. Starting at 4 p.m. there will be plenty to do, including a petting zoo, face painting, jumpers and food vendors. The concert is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

"It's difficult to envision a concert on this scale with world-class artist being provided free,” Granderson said. “Air Force Entertainment provides events like this to support our hard working Airmen and their families to help balance the demands of a military lifestyle. We want everyone to join us in observing Independence Day weekend with music and entertainment for all ages."

The 14th Force Support Squadron is also offering backstage passes to meet the artists. To be entered, contestants must post a picture on social media and tag it with #patriotfest18. The contest ends July 5 at 5 p.m. and the winner will be announced July 6 at 5 p.m.

What to avoid and what to know for the event:

• No pets
• No coolers
• No outside alcohol
• Lawn chairs are permitted and encouraged because there will be no seating provided
• No designated entrance
• Base residents are encouraged to walk, but the only off-limits parking areas will be DV parking areas at the NCC and part of the Building 926 parking lot.
• Only volunteers and contest winners will meet the bands (follow Columbus AFB living for contest!). Those meet & greets take place before the show. There will be merchandise tables near the stage after the show.
• Expect vendors to be cash only, but some have credit card capability