Amarie soon had her face painted!

More than 15,000 people attended the festivities last weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday SUBASE style, and the event was blessed with perfect weather.

The giant Ferris Wheel was extremely popular, and for those that like their rides with a little more speed, the giant centrifuge certainly satisfied.   Game stalls abounded with giant cuddly toys available as prizes, with little ones not going home empty-handed.

In addition to the carnival stalls, many local businesses were represented and visitors could receive everything from a quote for new windows to having their fortune read.   A particular favorite among the children was face painting provided by Amazing Face Art.

One stand was for The Fisher House Foundation, a charity that builds “comfort homes” on major military and VA medical centers at home and abroad.   These enable military families to stay for free close to their loved ones during extended treatment for serious injury and physical or occupational therapy.   Please consider donating to this extremely worthy cause for our service men and women, who have given so much.   Look out for a dedicated article on The Fisher House Foundation on ONE soon.

An Alpaca

Eudora Exotic Animal Farm which is dedicated to the preservation and education of animals from around the world, was on hand with a selection of animals from around the world including a giraffe, alpacas and baboons that put on quite the show as they played.   There was even an opportunity to ride a camel.

Those with a head for heights attempted the rock climbing wall, and The Flying Pages, a world-renowned trapeze act, demonstrated their skill and talent in heart-stopping style.

Paintball proved extremely popular with young and old(er) alike - there really is nothing like covering a close family member or friend in globs of paint fired at high velocity.

Renowned for its spectacular fireworks, SUBFEST did not disappoint as on the Saturday evening, the display lit up the sky above SUBASE, and could be seen for miles around.   The crowd were enraptured and spontaneously showed their appreciation of the impressive show as it came to a rousing conclusion.

The Fairground

SUBFEST is organized by Moral Welfare Recreation (MWR), which provides recreational facilities, and activities at SUBASE.

For those attending SUBSCOL, their time at SUBASE is often their first time away from home, and MWR is there to help ease the transition.

SUBFEST wouldn’t be possible without the sterling support of SUBASE fire, security, auxiliary security and reserve security forces, and numerous volunteers, both military and civilian, that helped make the festival a safe and fun celebration.

With perfect weather and a blend of activities and stalls to suit every taste it is hard to see how SUBFEST could be bettered, but already MWR are planning to make the 2012 event bigger and better than ever.

ONE’s monthly column on SUBASE - Beneath the Surface - can be found here.