Sumter Shaw Street Fest coming Published Aug. 18, 2006 By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The fifth annual Sumter Shaw Street Fest kicks off on Main Steet in Sumter Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. The event will begin with an opening ceremony which will include Col. Bill Hyatt, 20th Fighter Wing commander, and Honorable Joseph T. McElveen, Mayor, City of Sumter, greeting the community together. The base honor guard will present the colors and the National Anthem will be sung by Master Sgt. John F. Kennedy. The Lemira Percussion Ensemble will then perform in front of the Opera House. "These young children spread out across Main Street and just take over; they play absolutely beautiful music," said Susan Wild, City of Sumter communications director. Following the ensemble, the fest will continue with "Avalanche," this year's band, playing a range of music from classic rock to country. "Avalanche" may be more familiar to the community as "Flash Back." They played at last year's Jammin' July Fourth celebration, Ms. Wild said. This year they've added two people, so they changed their name. At 6 p.m., the children's area will also open. "This year we've really expanded the children's area," Ms. Wild said. There will be pony rides, train rides and many displays. Displays will be set up by Shaw's recruiting office, explosive ordance disposal, the fire department and others. With all of the entertainment for children and adults, it's a non-stop family affair, she said. The only expenses for street fest will be food and beverages. One block will be set up for food vendors. The food will range from traditional fair food to asian food. You name it and it will probably be there, Ms. Wild said. Usually the event brings around 3,000 people out to enjoy the festivities, she added. The street fest is a celebration of camaraderie between Sumter and Shaw. The Sumter Shaw Street Fest was created in 2002 basically to join the city and Shaw in an event where everyone could get together, she said. "The Mayor and City Council appreciate what Sumter and Shaw are able to accomplish as a team," Ms. Wild said. Sumter and the base have such an excellent relationship, in so many different aspects, it felt very appropriate to keep this tradition going, she said. "The relationship between Shaw and Sumter grows stronger each year with this event," said Col. Hyatt. Four parking lots will be available, behind the Opera House. For more information, call 436-2640 or go to www.sumtersc.gov.