City holds annual celebration with parade, BBQ

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Mountain Home's 48th annual Air Force Appreciation Day, which celebrates the friendship and partnership between community and Air Force members, begins Sept. 5 and runs through late afternoon Sept. 6.

Mountain Home Air Force Base was home to B-47 bombers and KC-97 tankers in 1961 when the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce held a sales promotion and called it "Air Force Appreciation Day." The members wanted to encourage neighborly growth and express their gratitude for the economic benefits the Air Force brought to Southern Idaho, according to chamber officials.

In 1962, the Chamber and base officials joined together in coordinating the first parade and free barbecue. Organizers sold raffle tickets to help defray the costs, a tradition which continues today. This year's raffle winners receive everything from cash to a shopping spree to tools.

"This year we're going to have a spectacular event," said Randy Valley, AFAD committee chairperson. "Each year, one of our goals is to improve the event and entertainment we offer."

Throughout the years, AFAD has evolved into the largest event in Elmore County, involving dozens of volunteers and thousands of participants.

The largest event in Elmore County kicks off Sept. 5 with a five-kilometer AFAD Run and Walk at 6:30 p.m. at Carl Miller Park downtown. All walk and run participants receive a 2008 commemorative T-Shirt. The top three racers in each of the seven age categories win medals.

On Sept. 6, the events start with a parade downtown at 10:30 a.m.

"This is one of the largest parades in Idaho," said Sue Gross, parade coordinator. "We'll probably have more than 150 entries this year."

Many parade entries are from base units including the 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron, 390th Fighter Squadron, 366th Medical Group, 366th Security Forces Squadron, 266th Range Squadron, 366th Component Maintenance Squadron, 366th Comptrollers Squadron, 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, 366th Maintenance Group, 366th Operations Support, 391st Fighter Squadron, 389th Fighter Squadron, 726th Air Control Squadron, youth center martial arts and Child Development Center among others.

The parade, however, is on the beginning of the day's public events. As the parade winds through downtown Mountain Home, it ends at Carl Miller Park which is transformed into an assortment of booths featuring information, food, arts and entertainment for all ages.

Another highlight of the annual event is the free barbecue offering barbecued beef sandwiches, corn-on-the-cob, chips and drinks. The barbecue is a popular event that combines 1,000 pounds of beef, with more than 5,000 buns, 5,000 ears of corn, and 100 pounds of butter to serve more than 5,200 meals.

The serving lines open at noon, immediately following the parade and remain open until the food runs out.

"We hold Air Force Appreciation Day for all the military in the area because of all they do for us," said Mr. Valley. "It's not just peacekeeping - they support us through membership in service organizations, by taking part in programs like 'Paint the Town' and by serving as youth sports coaches in our schools. Military members are a valuable part of our community, and we want to show our thanks."