Thousands kicking off Fourth of July at Fort Carson with Freedom Fest

We’re only days away from the Fourth of July and to kick off the celebration of all things patriotic, Fort Carson is holding its annual Freedom Fest.

This is the first time the Independence Day celebration will be going on for three days and in a row. On Friday and Sunday, the general public is allowed to enjoy the festivities. On Saturday only D.O.D. cardholders and their guests will be allowed in.

If you’re not in the military, all you need to do to get on base is show a drivers license or valid photo I.D.
Same day ride wristbands cost 30 dollars and last all day. Giving you and your family access to rides ranching from the mild like the Ferris wheel to the extreme with the Sky Fire that takes you completely upside down. If rides aren’t your thing, the delicious fair food is waiting for you.

The director of recreation for Fort Carson, Mike O’Donnell says this the perfect time for family’s to come together. Especially with recent deployments. “With the rotation of soldiers in and out of Fort Carson this is a great opportunity for the families to get together with the community,” says O’Donnell.

The soldiers on base agree. Arron Larson a Fort Carson Gunner missed the festival last year with his family because he was deployed. Now he is excited to spend time with his wife and kid. “It’s been a lot of fun plus the band is really great and can’t wait for Eli Young Band to get up there,” Larson says.

The Eli Young Band was the main act performing Friday night that everyone wanted to see. On Sunday night there will be a large firework show that anyone can enjoy.

O”Donnell says Fort Carson is also debuting a new motto and lifestyle MountainPostLiving. It promotes wellness of body, mind, and spirit. The goal: every soldier and family assigned to the Mountain Post will be encouraged, educated and inspired to live a balanced life of all-around wellness.