The Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council is proud to host a year
long series of Celebrate Barksdale activities both on base and throughout our community. What
began as a single day of on-base events has now grown into a full calendar of celebrations, thanks
to the support of our community partners in Shreveport and Bossier City. Celebrate Barksdale is
a long-standing tradition, born from the collaboration of the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs
Council and the Chambers of Commerce. Together, these entities organize events that showcase
our community’s deep appreciation for the men and women who serve at Barksdale Air Force
Base.
The 28th Annual Celebrate Barksdale launched on 17 July with an Inaugural Balloon Glow
privately held for all Barksdale Air Force Base personnel and their families. On Friday, 3 October,
the Celebrate Barksdale Family Cookout & Festival will kick off at 11am and run until 2pm behind
the Hunt Housing Office of Barksdale Air Force Base. A team of approximately 100 civilian and
retired military volunteers will prepare and serve hamburgers and hotdogs to over 3000 base
personnel, while others coordinate children’s activities including live music, bounce houses,
funnel cake and ice cream food trucks, and other squadron activities. For the countless number
of men and women in our Barksdale family deployed throughout the world, this event is just one
way for the organization to share its appreciation of the military’s service and sacrifice to our
nation. Following this event on the same day, there is another on-base gathering, Oktoberfest.
With dancing, contests, a German meal and live music from Alpenmusikanten, the event will be held at FSS Fox Run Multi-Plex facility. The proceeds from these efforts on 3 October, will benefit
the Military Affairs Council program titled Operation Bright Holiday. Operation Bright Holiday is an
annual program partnering with the Company Grade Officers of Barksdale to raise funds allowing
the organization to send young first-term airmen stationed at the base home for the holidays. Also
benefitting Operation Bright Holiday is the MAC Annual Golf Classic slated for 6 October at
Southern Trace Country Club.
Additional Celebrate Barksdale community events made available by our community partners
include: Red River Revel Free Admission for active military, reservists and immediate family
during the festival running 25-28 September and 2-5 October, Sci-Port Discovery Center will
have free admission Saturday, 8 November. Active military, reservists and their immediate
families will enjoy FREE admission to the center with full access to activities including IMAX
documentary film, special foam rocket contests and dog tag making from 9am – 5pm. The
Louisiana State Fair will host BAFB personnel and families on 16 November during their run at
the LA State Fairgrounds 30 October – 16 November with free admission and an honor ceremony
and veteran’s parade. Lastly, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will host a
tailgate on 30 December at LA State Fairgrounds. The tailgate event will provide food, drinks and
camaraderie before the kick-off of the college football bowl game at 1pm.
This tradition of honoring these selfless and dedicated personnel is led by the Shreveport
Bossier Military Affairs Council Event Chairman, John David Person. “The Military Affairs
Council is honored to host the annual Celebrate Barksdale. The festivals and the community
events serve as a bridge that connects our sister communities and honors the selfless
dedication of our airmen and their families. These military personnel sacrifice so much for our
freedom every day and this is a small token of our appreciation. More than 100 volunteers and
community partners work together for these events to become a reality,” said Person.