Food, fun and fireworks on tap for commons grand opening

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Event organizers want to make sure they appeal to the entire Hanscom community for the grand opening of the Minuteman Commons - formerly the Minuteman Club - Sept. 8, so food, fun, fireworks and more are on tap during this special celebration.

"The grand opening will offer something for everyone," said Russ Jackson, 66th Force Support Squadron community programs manager, who will be organizing and leading a lot of new programs and activities at the commons. "We want military members with their families, single Airmen, retirees, spouses, civilians and contractors to come out and see what the commons is all about."

Grand opening festivities will begin at 3 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. After the ribbon cutting, attendees will be invited inside to learn about what is new and what the new community center has to offer.

Attendees will have a chance to meet the new caterers, Thunderbird Express, and schedule reservations for an event.

The new caterers will offer attendees a look into all their services, from small business lunches to large events and functions, including theme parties, buffets, décor and much more.

In addition, there will be ping pong, pool and washers tournaments, face painting, video games and balloons for kids, along with giveaways for all. Giveaways will include T-shirts, Red Sox tickets and more.

At 5 p.m., Dub Apocalypse, a reggae band, will begin playing on the patio.
At approximately 7:45 p.m., weather permitting, all grand opening attendees will be invited outside to watch a fireworks display.

"Since the weather did not permit us to have a fireworks show during Summer Bash, we will be able to shoot them off during our grand opening festivities," said Mr. Jackson.

After the fireworks, attendees will be invited to stick around in The Tavern, formerly the Patriot Lounge, to enjoy music, drinks and watch the opening game for the NFL on the new 70-inch flat screen TV.

Besides the grand opening, many more events are planned in the upcoming weeks for the Minuteman Commons. For the latest information, check out their new web page at www.HanscomServices.com/MinutemanCommons.asp. 

Grand Opening Schedule
3 p.m.: Open the Minuteman Commons
3 p.m.: Music begins, beverages and snacks available, Parking Lot
3-7:30 p.m.: Bouncy Castle, Parking Lot
3 p.m.: Sponsors and vendors, Parking Lot
3:30 p.m.: Ribbon Cutting, Parking Lot
3:45 p.m.: Activities begin and Herb Mesa meet and greet
3:45-5:30 p.m.: Holiday Reservation Table and caterer appetizer showcase, Commons Lobby
3:45-7:30 p.m.: Kids activities - face painting, video games, balloons, Hanscom Ballroom
3:45-7:30 p.m.: Ping pong, pool, washers, The Tavern and Heritage and Musket rooms
3:45-7:30 p.m.: DJ, The Tavern
4:30 p.m.: Award presentation to Air Force Fit Family Recipe Contest winner with Herb Mesa, The Den
5:00-7:30 p.m.: Dub Apocalypse (Reggae Band), Parking Lot
5:00-7 p.m.: Giveaways, The Tavern
7:45-8:15 p.m.: Fireworks, Parking Lot