Summer ends with a bang
By Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
/ Published August 27, 2013
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Team Minot Airmen, their families, and local community members gather at the J.R. Rockers parking lot for the end of summer Community Fair, Aug. 23, 2013. The fair, which served to provide Airmen awareness on the activities and organizations available in the local community, featured informational booths, a car show and a free barbeque. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall)
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This year’s annual block party and car show were hosted in conjunction with an end of summer Community Fair, Aug. 23. The show displayed more than 50 cars and trucks from the 1920s to the present. The show also featured eight custom motorcycles. The combined event resulted in one of the largest crowds to date. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall)
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This year’s annual block party and car show were hosted in conjunction with an end of summer Community Fair, Aug. 23. The show displayed more than 50 cars and trucks from the 1920s to the present. The show also featured eight custom motorcycles. The combined event resulted in one of the largest crowds to date. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall)
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Dave Smith, a Minot native and Air Force retiree, stands next to his 1926 Ford coupe at the end of summer Community Fair, Aug. 23. The community fair was combined with the base's annual block party and car show. This year was Smith's eighth year participating in the car show. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall)
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This year’s annual block party and car show were hosted in conjunction with an end of summer Community Fair, Aug. 23. The show displayed more than 50 cars and trucks from the 1920s to the present. The show also featured eight custom motorcycles. The combined event resulted in one of the largest crowds to date. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall)
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --
Free food, souped-up cars, and information booths lured hundreds of Team Minot Airmen, their families and local community members to the J.R. Rockers parking lot for an end of summer Community Fair, Aug. 23.
The community fair served to provide Airmen awareness on the activities and organizations available in the local communities, which was conceptualized by Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command.
"Events like this are important for people here," said Airman 1st Class Kelly Hanley, 740th Missile Squadron missile chef. "I came last year and was excited to hear they were having it again."
Apart from the main events, there were many other activities for families. Children had the opportunity to play on an inflatable castle or slide. Two clowns provided additional family entertainment. Adults enjoyed music and free giveaways. Children could cool down with snow cones, while adults could participate in a wine tasting event.
Despite the wine tasting and family activities, the car show drew the largest crowd. The show displayed more than 50 cars and trucks from a variety of eras as well as eight custom motorcycles.
Dave Smith, a Minot native and Air Force retiree, has participated in the car show for the past eight years. This year he brought the latest addition to his car collection, a customized 1926 Ford coupe, nicknamed the Nasty Rat. The vehicle displayed toy rats and skulls, flame-throwers, and even a vintage grenade on the engine acting as the emergency shutdown.
"I really enjoy coming out here every year," said Smith. "It's just fun, period."
The evening ended with a 20-minute fireworks display at Bud Ebert Park.
"The fireworks were really cool and a good addition this year," said Hanley.