MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- Fireworks lit up the night sky and brought the 16th annual Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany’s Independence Day celebration to an end after thousands gathered at the base to feast on a variety of foods, soak up some American spirit and enjoy the fireworks show at Boyett Park around Covella Pond.
Nearly 10,000 spectators viewed the fireworks and took in a free twilight concert by the Albany Marine Band.
“This is always so much fun coming to the base,” said second-time attendee Sandra Hartz. “It’s always family- friendly, and my girls look forward to it for weeks before.”
The celebration featured more than 15 food and beverage vendors, Miss Georgia 2010, Christina McCauley’s first public appearance since her crowning a week prior and two military K-9 working dog demonstrations.
For Cara Patrice, an eight year old from Thomasville, Ga., her favorite part of the celebration was the K-9 demonstration.
“I think the best part was watching the dogs, but the fireworks I always love,” Patrice said. “A close second is the funnel cakes and food.”
Among the different varieties of food at the celebration, there were also plenty of activities to keep children busy before the fireworks finale. Numerous bouncers and a rock climbing wall had steady long lines and numerous military and local police vehicles were on display.
Randall Jack, a former Marine and Tifton resident, said he enjoys coming back to the Marine Base because it reminds him of freedom more than anything.
“I’ve always been a supporter of the military and for them to open the gates like this for everyone is just spectacular. I think this paints the Marine Corps as being open and friendly in the best way,” he said.