Joint base to host Fourth of July celebration Published July 3, 2012 By Bill Addison Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will host the annual Fourth of July celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. July 4 at the Doughboy Field parade ground. The event is FREE and open to the public. Entertainment activities will include bouncy castles, a stilt walker, magician, face painting and will include a live performance by The Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes. The highlight of the festivities will be a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Choices include hamburgers, hot dogs, cheese steaks, sausage and peppers, kettle corn, funnel cakes, cotton candy, zeppoles, fresh roasted corn on the cob, water ice, soft drinks and more. Novelty vendors and a beer concession will also be available. Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to the parade grounds. No pets, coolers or bottles will be allowed. Additionally, backpacks and large purses are subject to search upon arrival at the gate. The Wrightstown, Brown Mills, Pemberton and Route 68 gates will be open to the public from 5 to 9 p.m. for public entry. Department of Defense cardholders attending the event are encouraged to use the McGuire Main Gate. This Independence Day celebration is a community outreach event to show our appreciation to the surrounding communities and to celebrate the birth of our great nation.