Independence Celebration

Black Stone Cherry, a Southern rock ‘n’ roll band, heats up the stage at 7 p.m., performing hits from throughout their two-decade career. Country music upstart Jameson Rodgers will perform his rowdy live show at 8:45 p.m. Black Rhino Sound, the electrifying Texas DJ, returns this year to kick off the evening and energize the crowd at 5:30 p.m.

Black Stone Cherry is kicking the door open into 2023, releasing their first new song “Out of Pocket” since their 2020 album “The Human Condition.” Over the past two decades, the Kentucky Southern rockers have shaken stages from arenas to festivals, in the US and across Europe, performing hit singles, including “Blame it on the Boom Boom” and “White Trash Millionaire.”

Jameson Rodgers made his name on the road, headlining his own sold-out concerts and opening for Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Sam Hunt and Luke Bryan. The hard-touring country artist is a MusicRow Discovery Artist of the Year winner and iHeartRadio Music Awards nominee. Career standouts include “Midnight Daydream” and Platinum-certified No. 1 hits “Some Girls” and follow-up smash “Cold Beer Calling My Name.”

5 p.m. | Venue OPENS to General Public on York Field & Gardner Field

• Food trucks on York & Gardner Field are open – food must be purchased with tokens!                The purchase of alcoholic beverages requires a wristband, keep an eye out for the wristband tables (must show ID)!
• 34-foot jump towers run 5 - 8 p.m. (must be in line by 7:30 p.m.)

5:30 p.m. | DJ Black Rhino kicks off on stage on York Field

7 p.m. | Performance by Black Stone Cherry

8:15 - 8:45 p.m. | Aerial Demonstrations by the Silver Wings and Fries & Spies + remarks by Fort Moore’s Commanding General, MG Buzzard

8:45 p.m. | Performance by Jameson Rodgers

10 p.m. | MCoE Band performance to Largest Fireworks show in the Chattahoochee Valley

11 p.m. | Event concludes

Access to Fort Moore for non-military and non CAC ID card holders requires vetting. We require 100% ID Check!

BEAT THE LONG LINES!

Pre-vetted visitors with an approved IDC-FIREWORKS PASS (all visitors must have an IDC-FIREWORKS PASS in hand for everyone 18 years or older in the car) will have access to the installation without any additional vetting on June 24!

If you do not pick up your IDC-FIREWORKS PASS and you arrive at the Visitor Control Center on June 24, you will be sent to the SPECIAL EVENTS GATE - ACP 2 – Legacy Boulevard ACP (Gate past the National Infantry Museum).

If you didn’t get pre-vetted and/or don't have an IDC-FIREWORKS PASS you MUST enter Fort Moore on June 24 thru our SPECIAL EVENTS GATE - ACP 2 - Legacy Way ACP (Gate past the National Infantry Museum) starting at 4 p.m. to get vetted. No exceptions!

• Plan ahead and get pre-vetted early prior to the Independence Celebration online OR at the Lindsey Creek Visitor Control Center (prior to the Main Gate, I-185). Click here:  https://pass.aie.army.mil/?b=usa&i=moore&e=TC6VDG43  (Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari browser recommended; use EVENT CODE: TC6VDG43 if asked/needed) to submit your online IDC-FIREWORKS PASS request beginning June 9 (please note, all online submissions will be processed when submitted, but passes will not be available for pick up before June 16)! 
• Applicants should receive an SMS (text message) no later than 24 hours later with notification on whether the IDC-FIREWORKS PASS ACCESS PASS is approved.
• After approval, you must stop by the Visitor Control Center (open 24 hours) to be issued an IDC-FIREWORKS PASS that allows you to access Fort Moore on June 24 at 4 p.m. at any gate!
• Trusted Traveler will remain in effect but passengers over 18 will need to show an ID and all vehicles and bags are subject to a cursorily screening. CAC/MIL/DEP/VHIC and those with valid ID in their vehicle do not need a pass.

NO WEAPONS - guns, knives, or weapons of any kind are allowed! Please remember, leave your dogs at home; service dogs are permitted.

What you will need: a valid state or federal ID for each person over the age of 18 in the vehicle wanting to attend the Fort Moore Independence Celebration.

Click here for more IDC-FIREWORKS PASS information! 

More than 20,000 people attended the 2022 Independence Celebration, making this event the single largest opportunity we offer our sponsors to reach the Fort Moore community. If you would like to learn more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities, email mary.s.beck4.naf@army.mil today!

Presenting Sponsor: KIA AutoSport

Fireworks and Fun Zone sponsored by: Headquarter Nissan

Thank you to our sponsors: the Gary Sinise Foundation, USAA, Rose Anne Erickson Realty, First Command, Flint, Goodwill, US Border Patrol and PCS Pro Network

(sponsorship does not imply endorsement).

We have thousands of mouths to feed, y'all! MWR is looking for Food Vendors who are interested in supporting our annual Independence Celebration on June 24! If you or someone you know would like to participate, contact Carolyn Shelton at carolyn.h.shelton.naf@army.mil. Be sure to include the name of your business, food menu, prices and insurance. Vendors who sign up to join us for Independence Day will also have the opportunity to come to other MWR-facilitated Special Events for THREE years!

Tokens are needed to pay for all food and beverages. Admission is free, as well as the entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks, and parking.

MWR uses tokens at large events to help speed up the process of ordering and paying for food and beverages. The vendors appreciate the ease of not having to return change. BUT don’t wait in line!

Pre-sale of tokens will begin June 12 and ends June 23 at the following MWR locations:

1.  Bowling & Entertainment Center, 6530 Eckel Avenue, building 2785:
   1. Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
   2. Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
   3. Saturday: 12-8 p.m.
   4. Sunday: 12-6 p.m.

Pre-sale of tokens will begin June 12 and ends June 24 at the following MWR locations:

1. Outdoor Recreation & Equipment Rental, 7310 Gillespie Street, building 1707
   1. Monday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
   2. Tuesday - Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

   3. Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

   4. Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

   5. (Closed on Sunday)

We will have around 50 different food vendors on the field with a variety of different foods. There is something for everyone! From Hawaiian, German Food, to good ole Southern fried chicken; Vegetarian and Vegan food and Gator bites, Barbeque, Pizza, Burger, Hotdogs and of course – all kinds of sweet treats: Ice Cream (real Italian Ice cream), Shaved Ice, Funnel cakes, and so much more!

When we get closer to June 24, visit our Facebook page where we will publish all of our vendors food menu’s.

Please find below and estimate on what our food vendor’s prices will look like:

• Beverages: 1-4 Tokens
• Specialty Beverages: 3-5 Tokens
• Specialty Beverages with Souvenir Cups: 10-15 Tokens
• Combo Meals (meat plus sides): up to 20 Tokens
• Sandwiches/Wraps: 5-16 Tokens
• Hotdogs/Sausages: 4-10 Tokens
• BBQ/Pizza: up to 15 Tokens
• Hawaiian and German Food: up to 20 Tokens
• Sweets: 3-6 Tokens
• Specialty Fries: 12 Tokens
• Turkey Leg (Jumbo): 15 Tokens

What are tokens and why do I need them, where do I get them? Scroll down to the next section!

Ten-hut!

No matter who you are, you can “Meet Your Army” Saturday, June 24 at Fort Moore’s annual Independence Celebration, right in front of McGinnis-Wickam Hall.

The Fort Moore “Meet Your Army” is bringing together top Army soldiers and technology to give a first-hand look at life as a soldier and to connect with the community and showcase the unique job opportunities that the Army has to offer. 

Meet representatives from all different areas, such as Rangers, Army Marksmanship Unit, Special Operations Recruiting Battalion, and more.

Get to look at the newest Military Vehicles and Tanks, such as the Abrams, Bradley, Stryker, MLTV, and a MRZR/ DAGOR.

We will even have a recruiting Team from Atlanta present that can answer every question you have. Stop by and check it out!

Gate access?  click here!

Where can I park?  Parking will be available in designated areas around McGinnis-Wickam Hall, at Smith Fitness Center, building 6, and near designated ranges along Ralph Puckett Parkway.

Food and beverages available for purchase?  YES!  We will be serving a variety of food for all your cravings...especially the FUNNEL CAKES and Gator bites! Check out the section for “VENDOR PRICES – HOW MANY TOKENS DO I NEED?“ and get your estimate on what you will spend.

Can we bring coolers/refreshments?  Coolers are allowed, but there will be plenty of food and beverage vendors available. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Kids activities?  Of course!  We will have the Fun Zone - an area set up for youth of all ages (including the adults!) to enjoy inflatables, crafts, crazy hair, face painting, Bixie the Basic Bus, rock climbing wall and more...plus it is all FREE!

Can we bring pets?  No. For safety and sanitation reasons, please leave your pets at home. Service dogs are permitted.

What are tokens for? I thought this was a free event?  Tokens are needed to pay for all food and beverages. Admission is free, as well as the entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks and parking.

MWR uses tokens at large events to help speed up the process of ordering and paying for food and beverages. The vendors appreciate the ease of not having to return change. BUT don’t wait in line! Pre-sale of tokens will begin June 12 – check out the section “WHAT ARE TOKENS, WHY DO I NEED THEM AND WHERE DO I GET THEM?”

Do I need cash to pay for tokens?  No, we can accept debit and credit cards.

Will there be an ATM available?  Yes, there is an ATM located in McGinnis-Wickam Hall and at Kinetic Credit Union.

What if I have tokens left at the end of the night?  You can return your tokens for a full refund at the token tent/trailer OR starting June 26, swing by the MWR Headquarters, 6850 Barron Avenue, building 85, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and receive your refund.  But your best choice is to keep those tokens for our next big event: Oktoberfest, October 20-22, 2023, at Uchee Creek! (Mark your calendar and save the date!)

Will there be a shaded area?  Yes! A large shade tent will be set up with fans. 

Can we bring lawn chairs, blankets, canopies, or grills?  Yes! Small canopies are allowed; they can be set up in the designated area, towards the back of York field.  NO - you may not bring grills.

Will there be trainees?  Yes, we love our trainees and like to give them a break to celebrate with us.

Prohibited Items  No guns, knives, or weapons of any kind are allowed. No professional cameras or glass bottles. For security reasons, please be prepared for random security checks. No pets allowed. Small canopies (no sides or enclosures) in designated areas only. Smoking allowed in designated areas only.

What if it rains?  The rain date for the FIREWORKS ONLY is the following day, June 25. No vendors, entertainment, etc. will be set up. Stay up to date on our Facebook page!