COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Thousands attended Freedom Fest at Columbus Air Force Base on the Fourth of July as the base opened to the public to mark America’s 250th birthday, WCBI reported.
The Fourth of July celebration was usually held at the Columbus Lock and Dam but moved this year to the base, giving many who had never visited the installation a chance to see it, Col. Jason Long, Missions Control Command, told WCBI. “It’s the 250th! What a great time to open up the gates,” Long said. “It’s a once in a lifetime, once in a generation celebration. 250 is a big deal. We’ve opened the gates to our communities and those who love aviation and are patriotic, and we’re happy to have them on the installation.”
The event began at 2 p.m. and featured live performances, stilt walkers, an array of vendors, food trucks and a beer and soda garden, WCBI reported. Organizers provided water stations and free water and sports drinks to help attendees stay hydrated in the heat.
Long said the base values partnerships with the City of Columbus and Lowndes County and hopes Freedom Fest will continue as a way to welcome people to the region and showcase aviation, WCBI reported. The night ended with a large fireworks display that attendees enjoyed, WCBI said.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
