Community spirit brings Falls Fest to life

  • Published
  • By Debi Smith
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Since 1985, Sheppard Air Force Base volunteers make an annual pilgrimage to Lucy Park in Wichita Falls, Texas with drills, gloves and a volunteer spirit to make Falls Fest a reality every September.

Falls Fest planning begins in October each year, meetings start in April and by the last week of September the stage is set for family entertainment supporting the community in a big way. In 25 years, the event has raised more than $1.5 million dollars for community non-profit agencies and projects like the River Bend Nature Center, Wee-Chi-Tah Sculpture, Berend's Landing and park development within the city. Last year, more than 30,000 attended the event raising more than $96,000.

About 180 Sheppard volunteers turn the park in to a festival concert arena by putting up booths, tents, flags, stages, signs, tables and chairs; ensuring backstage security operations; and checking passes at gate entry for vendors, volunteers and band members fulfilling almost 800 volunteer hours.

"I volunteered last year and wanted to come again," said Senior Airman Alexandria Verissimo from the NCO Academy. "While I'm away from home, it's a simple way to give back and see how we're doing some good for the community."

The two-day outdoor family festival is the ultimate sign of fall where the smell of turkey legs and funnel cakes mix with the sounds of local and national concert bands Friday and Saturday nights. This year, the 366th Training Squadron will help man the zip-line while every group on base is represented working backstage band security and gate entry.

The event coordinators place a special emphasis on how grateful they are for Sheppard's support. Junior League hospitality coordinator, Kathy Partridge, ensured refreshments were provided each day of the set-up week and discount ticket information.
"I know you hear it all the time but we couldn't do this without Sheppard's partnership and we can't thank you enough," she said. "We are giving Sheppard base personnel advance discount tickets for $5 through the Information, Tickets and Travel Office on base. Those Sheppard volunteers who help set up and work the event receive a free pass for both days of the festival and concerts."

The featured national concerts are Josh Abbott on Friday at 9 p.m. and K.C. & the Sunshine Band on Saturday at 9 p.m. The Scottish Highlander games, Ultimate Frisbee tournament, Kids Korner, Battle of the Bands, Falls Fest Idol competition, Skate Board Exhibit, Climbing Wall & Zip Line and the Red River Nuts-n-Bolts Motorcycle Run are big elements of this year's event Sep. 30 from 5 - 11pm and Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
For full details on Falls Fest visit www.fallsfest.org .