Zambelli Fireworks kicks off the fireworks display for the Jammin Fourth at Dillon Park, Sumter, S.C., July 4, 2012. Shaw Air Force Base along with the city of Sumter funded the event.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
U.S. Air Force Col. Clay Hall, 20th Fighter Wing commander, gives his remarks to the community at Dillon Park, Sumter, S.C., July 4, 2012. Shaw Air Force Base funded the fireworks display for the Sumter community.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Carrie Rogers, 20th Force Support Squadron outdoor recreation director, serves hamburgers at Dillon Park, Sumter, S.C., July 4, 2012. More than 1,000 people showed up for the fireworks display at the Jammin July Fourth.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Bill Pawlik, Zambelli fireworks shooter, prepares the fireworks display for the Jammin July Fourth, at Dillon Park, Sumter, S.C., July 4, 2012. Shaw Air Force Base and the city funded the fireworks display for the Sumter community.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
U.S. Air Force recruiters give children the opportunity to sit in a miniature version of an F-16 Fighting Falcon at the Jammin July Fourth, at Dillon Park, Sumter, S.C., July 4, 2012. Shaw Air Force Base funded the fireworks display for the Sumter community.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Niko Ellison, Blue Aces band vocalist, sings at the Jammin July Fourth at Dillon Park, Sumter, S.C., July 4, 2012. Shaw Air Force Base funded the fireworks display for the Sumter community.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Locals from Sumter dance at Dillon Park, Sumter, S.C., July 4, 2012. Shaw Air Force Base funded the fireworks display for the Sumter community.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
by Airman Nicole Sikorski
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
7/10/2012 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- More than 30,000 people from the Shaw and Sumter communities gathered at Dillon Park here July 4 to celebrate freedom and the birth of this nation.
The July 4 celebration used to take place on the Shaw Air Force Base flight line up until 9/11. After 9/11 the event was moved to Dillon Park in Sumter.
"We take the opportunity whenever we can, to partner with the community to hold an event like this," said Lt. Col. Dalian Washington, 20th Force Support Squadron commander. "It helps strengthen our community relations".
The city provided a support system for Shaw by bringing tents, tables, security, pavilions and emergency medical services, while the 20th FW took care of the labor of the event through contracting out food and rides.
The U.S. Air Force Blue Aces band performed throughout the event and the Jammin' July Fourth concluded with a fireworks display which arranged by Team Shaw.
