Classic cars needed for BBQ and Blues

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Force Base Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  BBQ and Blues event organizers are looking for antique or classic cars to be a part of a car show Aug. 30 at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Outdoor Recreation facility. In addition to the car show, the event will feature live entertainment, line dancing, pony rides, a "fun zone," clowns, jugglers and barbecue concessions.
 
Private organizations will serve burgers, hot dogs, frozen yogurt, cotton candy, snow cones, root beer floats, ice cream, watermelons, popcorn and nachos. Other organizations will feature face painting, dunk tanks, jail and bail and more.

Just prior to the kick off of the end-of-summer festival, nearly 100 servicemembers who have recently returned from deployments and their family members will be honored during Heroes Homecoming. The homecoming begins at 1:30 p.m. with a parade that starts at the Minuteman Commons and travels down Barksdale Street to Outdoor Recreation.

The parade will include the honorees and their families riding in Duck Boats and an appearance by Clydesdale horses, New England Patriots cheerleaders, Patriot Riders and possible sports celebrities.

Jonathan Elias, WBZ-TV anchor and former 66th Air Base Group honorary commander, will serve as the master of ceremonies for Heroes Homecoming. Medal of Honor recipient, Navy Capt. Tom Hudner, will also be in attendance to officially welcome home the troops. The Boston Red Sox will bring the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies for display, as well. 

Hereoes Homecoming and BBQ and Blues have been designated as an alternate duty location for Hanscom federal civilian employees in a duty status during the hours of the event, unless mission requirements cannot allow the employees to leave their primary duty locations. Attendance is not mandatory; however, Hanscom leadership encourages maximum participation to properly recognize the local troops and their families for their service and commitment.

In addition to activities on the festival grounds, there will be free swimming at the pool from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free bowling at Hanscom Lanes from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The event will conclude with a fireworks display, weather permitting. The entire Hanscom community is invited to attend both events.

Following the fireworks, The Tavern at the Minuteman Commons will remain open for a BBQ and Blues After Party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Live music will be provided by Country Mile, a country music, dance, party and show band. More information about the band is available at www.countrymilemusic.com.

Anyone who has returned home from deployment since January and would like to participate in Heroes Homecoming should contact Bobby Jacques at 781-225-1333.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help during BBQ and Blues should contact Courtney Cann at 781-225-6122.

Anyone interested in displaying an antique or classic car should contact Russell Jackson at 781-225-6501.