Surprise — JBLM’s popular Freedom Fest won’t happen on July 4. Here’s what’s changing
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is hosting Freedom Fest early this year for the first time.
The event will happen from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Cowan and Memorial stadiums. It is free and open to the public.
Why the change? JBLM External Communications Chief Gary Dangerfield said JBLM leaders changed the date of the event to offset other events that will happen July 4 in the South Sound.
“Freedom Fest ... requires a large number of service members and JBLM civilian employees to host the all-day event. We decided to move the event ... to continue providing a fabulous Independence Day celebration on base ... while at the same time allowing everyone to enjoy the actual holiday as a day off,” JBLM Public Affairs Director Joseph Piek wrote in a statement.
Attendees can expect food, an automotive show, carnival rides, games and entertainment, among other things. A fireworks display is also scheduled around 10:15 p.m. or as soon as it is dark, according to a news release from JBLM.
Those without a U.S. Department of Defense ID or a Department of Defense sponsor in the vehicle must register online before entering the base.
The registration link is pass.aie.army.mil/?b=usa&i=joint_base_lewis%E2%80%93mcchord&e=RN922PW0.
JBLM encourages visitors to use the DuPont Gate, park at the satellite parking area and take the shuttle to the event. Visitors must not bring weapons, alcohol, marijuana, glass bottles, illegal drugs, fireworks or pets onto the base.
Parking is on a first come first served basis. JBLM encourages carpooling when possible.
This story was originally published June 23, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
