Base's annual Summer Bash a success Published June 12, 2015 By Ryan Stark Nucleus writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland's annual Summer Bash was Friday as thousands of base community members enjoyed the fun, food and other activities. Joni Van Meir, director of Kirtland's Outdoor Recreation, said that around 7,000 people attended the Bash. "We were very, very busy from 10 a.m. on," she said. "We still had a lot of people on the field when we closed at four o'clock." More than 100 vendors signed up for the event to sell food, drinks and goods of various kinds. On-base organizations also had tables to promote their services and hand out information. Bouncy castles, a car show, games and a climbing wall were among the entertainment options available and door prizes were given away. There was live music, a beer garden and aircraft displays, including an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter and a CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor. The 377th Air Base Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, Kirtland Fire Department, New Mexico National Guard, Kirtland Spouses Club, First Sergeant's Association and Equal Opportunity office were among the on-base agencies taking part in the event. Daniel Spradley of Kirtland Aquatics said their booth had drawn interest. "We're getting a lot of people asking where the pool is, and we're letting them know it's at the Mountain View Club," he said. "We're also seeing some people who have taken swimming lessons and they're stopping by to say hello." Off-base participants included Kirtland Federal Credit Union, Cub Scouts and New Mexico State Police. Tim Payne of Sandia National Laboratories, who was checking out the Bash on his lunch hour, said he enjoyed the event. "I get off at 2:30, so I'll ask my wife and kids to meet me at the gate so they can check it out, too," he said. "It's impressive." Van Meir said that the vendors also came away happy. "Some of the vendors said they were busy from the second we opened until the second we closed," she said.