American Day brings Wild Wild West to Misawa

  • Published
  • By Capt. Christopher Stein
  • 35th Fighter Wing American Day co-chairman
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Cowboys and country. Saloons and six shooters. Desperados and damsels in distress. The Misawa City community will go straight to the Wild Wild West during Misawa Air Base's 23rd Annual American Day June 6.

Each year, thousands of local Japanese join the Misawa Air Base community to experience a slice of American culture. This year features a taste of the American West with backyard barbeque, horse rides, country-western music bands, Native American performances and cutouts of the old American western frontier.

Unlike year's prior, this year's American Day will concentrate all activities into a single fun-filled day.

A parade featuring a wide representation of Misawa Air Base will kick off the day at 10:00 a.m. Some of parade highlights will include the base honor guard, American state flags, classic cars, American youth organizations and the East Japan Motorcycle Club. Immediately following the parade, the opening ceremony will commence in front of the Misawa City Civic Center at 10:40 a.m.

Throughout the day, visitors can visit the perennial American Day favorites - a haunted house, face painting and a static aircraft display. Additionally, the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron and Security Forces Squadron will demonstrate their career field specialties.

Indoor events will take place at the civic center while buses will depart the main gate areas between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to an F-16 static display on base.

Not only can American visitors relish food that reminds them of the comforts of home, Japanese guests can also taste American-style cooking. Meanwhile, children can enjoy a bouncy castle while service members drench their leadership at the dunking booth at Chuo Park (Train Park.)

In addition to the wide array of activities throughout the day, bands will play the best of contemporary country, modern rock and classic music hits at American Park.

But, let's not forget one final Americanism - service. This great event can't happen without the help of the base community. Volunteerism is what makes this event a success, whether it's by help setting up decorations, directing traffic, preparing food, interpreting at the activities, or moving around equipment.

To volunteer please call Capt. Justin Settles at 226-9716. For more information about American Day activities, times and locations, click HERE.