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Strengthening community bonds

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SUMTER, S.C. --  The driving sound of music from a live band, the smell of elephant ears and corn dogs fill the air, children laugh and play on giant inflatable rides and community members show their pride of the relationship they have with a local military base. That's what happened on the streets of Sumter, S.C. recently.

The 7th Annual Sumter-Shaw Street Fest took place on Main Street in Downtown Sumter. Approximately 4,000 civilian and military families came together to celebrate to close relationship between the city of Sumter and Shaw AFB.

The event not only featured music from two bands, the Lemira Percussion Ensemble, food vendors and various children's entertainment, those in attendance were treated by volunteer Airmen providing demonstrations and displays from five organizations from Shaw.

The 20th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department drew a lot of attention with children lining up to sit in the driver's seat on the fire truck. The 20th CES Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight was also a big hit as their robot traveled down Main Street "greeting" the masses.

The 20th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight and the 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron provided demonstrations and displays that drew praise from people of all ages.

One of the highlights of the evening was a military working dog demonstration and weapons display supported by the 20th Security Forces Squadron.

Representatives from Sumter and Shaw worked together to put the annual event together. One representative, proud of the relationship between the town and the base, expressed her feelings.

"The whole event went extremely well. This is one the best (street fests) we've had," said Lynn Kennedy, Sumter Events Coordinator. "We ended up with more volunteers and displays than ever. A lot more people were interactive with the displays than during past events. They really seemed to love the (military working dog) display."

The event began at 6 p.m. and carried on well into the evening. The Sumter-Shaw Street Fest is proving to be a "must see" event and will only get bigger every year.