By Robert Johnson
Managing editor

Take it from those who have been there; there is no better celebration of July 4th in the Ozarks than what takes place on Gammon Field beginning around 3 p.m. today.

If you enjoy food, music and fireworks, Fort Leonard Wood has it down pat. The Soldier Show is only part of the package, but the installation is very fortunate to have the troupe here on the Fourth instead of Fort “fill in a blank.” The show is awesome work by Soldiers for Soldiers.

The next great part of the day is FMWR’s efforts to entertain the entire family. Over the years, I have seen Frisbee-chasing dogs, lawn tractor races, dunk tanks, rolling museums and a guy playing a kettle drum here to entertain the troops and Families during the day.

As for fireworks, Fort Leonard Wood’s are hard to beat. You might find another display that has more, such as the one at the Statue of Liberty, but you won’t get the same seating arrangement.

Now that I have convinced you to come to Gammon Field, there are a few things I highly recommend.

First, leave your personal fireworks at home. They are not authorized on the installation.

Second, if you come to find a seat early on Gammon, remember the sunscreen — especially for little ones. The afternoon sun can be brutal with shade on Gammon Field being pretty limited. No one wants to remember our nation’s birthday with a trip to the emergency room due to a second-degree sunburn.

Third, once the show is over, be patient with the traffic. Don’t leave before the finale just to beat the crowds, but do be patient with the military police directing traffic once you do leave.

That said, come on out to Gammon and celebrate the Fourth with the Fort today. It’s the best show in town … guaranteed.