Thousands celebrate Fourth of July early at Fort Benning

The high temperature in the mid 90s Saturday couldn’t stop thousands of military personnel and families from the Independence Celebration at Fort Benning.

“It’s very hot but we’ve got plenty of cold beverages, shade tents and fans to keep everybody cool,” said director Al Gelineau of the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

The 3-10 p.m. event at York and Gardner fields featured plenty of rides, food and activities for children.

Celebrating the Fourth of July a week early gave families and even young soldiers in basic training a break to have some fun before some leave the post for the holiday.

“I’m pretty stoked,” said Pvt. Matthew Harrington, 17, of Cullman County, Ala.

Harrington said soldiers have been doing plenty of push-ups as they wrapped up the second week of basic training last week. He was all smiles near the pizza vendor on the field.

“All the attractions and it’s nice Georgia weather,” Harrington said. “All the good people are here having a great time and enjoying themselves.”

The event was probably the last one for Sgt. Rachel Williams. She is one of a handful of 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division soldiers still at Kelley Hill after the brigade deactivated earlier this year.

“I’m just out for some fun activities for the family to do,” Williams said.

By December, she is headed to Beaumont, Texas, for her next assignment. She is part of a transportation unit still at the post.

Near the east side of York Field, Stephen L. Bailey of Columbus found a big shade tree while his two sons, Davion Dupas, 15, and Darious Bailey, 9, were getting crazy hair sprayed into their heads and finding time to check out other children activities.

“To be honest, my 9-year-old loves all the jumping rides and the balloons,” said Bailey, a disabled veteran from Natchez, Miss. “My oldest son loves the fact that there is food and just the option to do everything.”

Davion said he also was on the field to see all the different soldiers in the Army.

“I’m going into the Army,” he said.

Gelineau said about 4,000 folks came to the carnival on Friday night.

“Every year, we try to make it bigger and better,” he said. “This year, we got the carnival with 30 rides, a kids section, more inflatables and more food vendors. You can’t beat it. It’s a great family event.”

Gelineau estimated about 20,000 to 25,000 from the Columbus and Phenix City area would watch the fireworks celebration. There will be about 16,000 shells fired during the 23-minute show that has gained quite a reputation in the Valley.

“We’ve got them coming out of Fort Rucker, Ala., and Atlanta.,” he said. “They love to come and see this.”

This story was originally published June 25, 2016 at 7:03 PM with the headline "Thousands celebrate Fourth of July early at Fort Benning."