Fireworks explode in the dark Texas sky to celebrate the United States’ 230th birthday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sandy Wassenmiller).
Guitarist Eddie Willis of Wideawake rocks on during the featured band’s performance at Freedom Fest 2006. Wideawake was one of six bands to perform at the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sandy Wassenmiller).
A competitor in the joust event loses her footing as the other hangs on by a toe nail at Freedom Fest 2006 July 4. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sandy Wassenmiller).
Traditional games such as the sack race and three-legged race provided entertainment for guests of all ages during Sheppard’s Freedom Fest 2006.A young man gets off to a good hop during a sack race. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sandy Wassenmiller).
A hungry man digs into a juicy watermelon during Freedom Fest 2006's watermelon eating contest. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sandy Wassenmiller).
A family listens to a band during the Battle of the Bands competition at Freedom Fest 2006. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sandy Wassenmiller).
Several organizations set up shop during Freedom Fest July 4 to provide entertainment and games for festival-goers. Sheppard’s youth center operated a dunking booth to raise funds for future youth center activities. Kiera Mirich-Holder holds her nose as a lucky contestant hit the bulls eye. She is the daughter of Tech. Sgt. Michael Holder and Angela Mirich-Holder. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sandy Wassenmiller).
Kenda Poole, from the 82nd Training Group, dives into the mud to make a quick save during the mud volleyball tournament at Freedom Fest July 4. The tournament was one of numerous events offered during the celebration. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lou Anne Sledge).