Kirtland gears up for Summer Bash Published May 29, 2015 By Ryan Stark Nucleus writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland's 24th annual Summer Bash celebration is scheduled to take place June 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hardin Field, and organizers say it will be bigger and better than ever. Admission is free and open to anyone with base access. "Summer Bash gives us an opportunity to thank say 'thank you' to the base community," said Joni Van Meir, director of Kirtland's Outdoor Recreation, the agency responsible for the event. Over 60 vendors have been signed up for the event, selling food, drinks, goods of various kinds as well as numerous on-base organizations using tables to hand out information. "It helps us to show people on base what programs are available to them, especially those who are new to Kirtland," Van Meir said. Live music will serve as entertainment, and a beer garden will also be at the event. Van Meir said that aircraft -- including an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter and a CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor -- will be on display for those attending to get an up-close look. Bouncy castles, a car show, games and a climbing wall will be among the many entertainment options available for those attending the bash. Door prizes will also be given away. The event has grown over the years, drawing over 7,000 people last year, Van Meir said. "In the beginning, it was hard enough just to get 1,000 people," she said. Van Meir added that the event has taken place every year except those when an air show open house was scheduled. Volunteers are still being sought for Summer Bash. Volunteers will be needed on June 4 for set-up, as well as on the day of the event. Anyone interested can call 846- 9548 or 846-8967.