By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (June 28, 2024) — Fort Leonard Wood is preparing to celebrate Independence Day with four days of patriotic fun, culminating with an activity packed July Fourth event.
From July 1 to 4, the Rec Plex is offering half-priced pool admission.
According to Nia Dickinson, the marketing manager for the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the Rec Plex hours through the week are noon to 7 p.m. July 1 to 3, and noon to 5 p.m. on July 4.
The Independence Day celebration begins with a Stars and Stripes 5K Color Run, starting at 9 a.m. at Davidson Fitness Center.
“The Stars and Stripes Color Run is an opportunity to enjoy a fun run with patriotic colors. The run starts at 9 a.m. but make sure to get there early if you’re doing day-of registration,” Dickinson said.
Participants can pre-register through July 3 for $10 per person at Davidson Fitness Center. Day-of event registration will cost $15.
“Come out in athletic clothes, like shorts and T-shirts — deck out in red, white and blue,” Dickinson said. “I recommend bringing a towel for the vehicle for the trip home after.”
At 4 p.m., the celebration moves to Gammon Field, where cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display as part of a car show. Enthusiasts can register their vehicles for $10 at the Auto Skills Center before June 30. Registration will be $20, cash only, the day of the event. Trophies will be given for the best in show, best car, best truck and best motorcycle.
According to Eli Wilson, FMWR Community Activities manager, more than 50 vehicles are expected to participate.
Many other activities are also set to kick off on Gammon Field at the same time as the car show, Dickinson said.
“Attendees can plan on enjoying military displays, activities for the whole family, food vendors, a car show, live music and a spectacular firework display,” Dickinson said.
Concessions and a $5 unlimited activities wrist band will be available for purchase.
Some of the activities offered include bounce houses, slides, games, a petting zoo, pony rides and a frisbee dog show.
The main stage will feature performances by Huntley, a blues rock singer-songwriter and the Season 24 winner of NBC’s, “The Voice,” along with a country music band from Newton County, Arkansas, called Newco, and the 399th Army Band.
Dickinson recommended attendees bring sun protection with them to Gammon Field.
“Wear your sunblock, hat and sunglasses to protect from the sun. Attendees can bring chairs and outdoor blankets to enjoy the live music and fireworks in comfort,” Dickinson said.
Personal coolers and pets are not allowed.
The fireworks display — one of the largest in the area — is scheduled to begin around 9:30 p.m., according to Wilson.
For more information, call FWMR at 573.596.6913 or visit their calendar online.
The Independence Day events at the Rec Plex and Gammon Field are open to the public, and individuals with questions about accessing the installation may call the Visitors Center at 573.596.0590. More information on visitor access to Fort Leonard Wood is available here.
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About Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains more than 80,000 military and civilians each year.
Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and three U.S. Army schools: the U.S. Army Engineer School; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School; and the U.S. Army Military Police School. In addition to training engineer, CBRN and military police specialties for the Army, Fort Leonard Wood also provides gender-integrated in-processing and Basic Combat Training for new Soldiers.
Fort Leonard Wood also hosts and trains with the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Squadron on any Army installation as well as a large Navy construction detachment.