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What you need to know about Fort Carson Freedom Fest this weekend

Posted at 4:20 PM, Jun 27, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-27 18:20:57-04

As organizations in southern Colorado cancel or consider canceling fireworks displays for Independence Day, officials at Fort Carson are moving ahead with Freedom Fest this weekend with or without fireworks.

The grand finale fireworks display is scheduled for Sunday night at 9:30 p.m., yet there is a note of "show is contingent upon fire ban status and subject to cancellation."

RELATED: 4th of July celebrations in Southern Colorado

The events will take place from Friday through Sunday at Iron Horse Park on the post. All events on Friday and Sunday are open to the general public. Saturday’s events are for Department of Defense ID cardholders and their guests.

General public entry is through Gate 1 (on CO-115)  or Gate 20 (on Mesa Ridge Parkway) starting at 2 p.m.

June 29th (Day 1) events include opening ceremonies at 3 p.m. and conclude with concert headliners the Eli Young Band performing at 10:30 p.m.  In between those two events enjoy multiple opening act bands, carnival rides, a sand volleyball tournament, food vendors, and games. Events conclude at 11:30 p.m.

June 30th (Day 2) events are open to DOD cardholders and guests only using normal gate access security procedures. There’s the Red, White and Blue 5K run at 6 p.m. Registration information HERE. Following the race, there’s a concert from U.S. Army veteran Swank Sinatra feat Britney Jane and DJ Greensleeves.

July 1 (Day 3) events are open to the general public, with access through Gate 1 and Gate 20 starting at 2 p.m. Enjoy a 4 on 4 sand volleyball tournament, performances by many bands, including the 4th Infantry Division Band and the grand finale with a fireworks show at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Keep in mind the following if you plan to attend:

  • No personal fireworks
  • No personal grills or burners
  • No pets or companion animals allowed, only ADA service animals allowed
  • No outside alcohol
  • No weapons allowed with the exception of authorized law enforcement
  • Concealed-carry not recognized of valid on Fort Carson
  • Possession or use of marijuana on post is a federal offense

Parking Map:

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1q4VNfr8SPMTQZ5TkKnIpGtR2mOhi9ejS&w=640&h=480]

Full list of rules and regulations:

Access to Fort Carson:

  • Non-DOD ID cardholders are welcome to attend the event. They will need to enter through Gates 1 and 20 on Friday and Sunday. No need to stop by the visitor’s center. However, if they wish to attend on Saturday, they will need a gate pass from the visitor’s center.
  • All personnel entering Fort Carson must be in possession of a valid state or federally issued photo ID from a REAL ID Act compliant state. Current states not in compliance are: Alaska, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia & Washington. (Update to the REAL ID Act effective June 1, 2017)
  • If using an ID from a state or territory that is not REAL ID Act compliant, then an approved secondary form of ID is required.  More information on the REAL ID Act can be found at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

Parking:

  • No parking in residential/base housing/neighborhoods on Fort Carson.
  • Parking is free, space is available on a first come, first served basis.
  • All personnel must park in designated parking areas.
  • Parking in prohibited areas will result in a citation and the vehicle being towed.
  • Please follow the signs for designated parking areas.

Physical Security/Other:

  • Absolutely no personal grills or burners allowed at Freedom Fest.
  • Lost children are accompanied by event staff to the B.O.S.S. booth (by the main stage) and an announcement is made via the speakerphone to make contact with the parent(s)/guardian(s)
  • 100% random personal property inspection in effect.
  • No personal fireworks allowed on Fort Carson. These items are prohibited per FC Regulation 210-2-8.
  • No firearms and/or weapons allowed.
  • Privately owned drones/UAV’s are not allowed.
  • No coolers or tents allowed in the festival area. Coolers and tents are allowed in designated picnic areas only.
  • No glass containers allowed.
  • Alcohol in private containers is not allowed. Alcohol may be purchased from vendors located in the festival area.
  • Despite the Colorado amendment to legalize marijuana, possession of marijuana on a federal installation is a violation of federal law.

Weather:

  • Event goes on regardless of weather. Those attending the event assume the risk of injury as a result of inclement weather.
  • In the event of lightning, a warning is issued and guests are asked to clear the area and/or return to their cars until an “all clear” announcement is issued.

Freedom Fest website

CLICK HERE for Information on Fort Carson Gate Access Security Protocols