NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. – If you are part of the Jacksonville military community and are looking for something to do Friday night, Naval Station Mayport is hosting what they call their biggest annual community event.
Freedom Fest returns to Naval Station Mayport with live music, food, family activities, and fireworks to end the night.
Doors open at 4 p.m., and the event will go on -- free of charge -- rain or shine.
Installation Commander Capt. Michael Trumbull said he’s anticipating 4,000-5,000 people will attend the event. He said that events like these give families something to look forward to even through hard times.
“The idea is to have an opportunity with a great venue; we’ve got three great bands coming out just to celebrate our nation and celebrate what our team does every day,” Trumbull said.
The Navy Band will be making an appearance at 6 p.m., pop band Hot Chelle Rae will hit the stage at 7:15 p.m., and country band Lanco will start at 8:35 p.m.
The night will end with fireworks at 9:30.
Organizer Terra Downey with the Naval Station Mayport Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) Department said the event is all about supporting military families.
“We’re extra excited this year, it’s America’s 250, but also we always have a celebration for Independence Day on this base, and it’s really to celebrate the sailors and their families and the sacrifice they make for the country,” Downey said.
To attend the event, you need to have base access, so that means anyone with a Department of Defense ID card, including active duty, National Guard, reservists and dependents.
If you don’t have any military affiliation, each service member can bring up to five guests.
Now, if you are in the area around Mayport at North Beach and Wonderwood, expect traffic this afternoon.