Stripes workers standing behind the Stars and Stripes table (Kristen Thoennes)

The Ramstein Freedom Fest received was revamped this year to become the Freedom & Friendship Fest and Stars and Stripes was onsite for all the fun.

The new location on the flightline (same location as the annual Ramstein Bazaar) provided tons more space for sponsors, food booths, bouncy houses, carnival rides and static displays. Local nationals were able to bring guests to make this event truly special for Americans and Germans alike.

Stars and Stripes table with all the swag on the table and a small rack of magazines of the left side (Kristen Thoennes)

Like previous years, this was a two-day event. Thursday featured the headliner, AWOLNation who performed in the evening. Friday’s festivities included another band and fireworks.

Booster clubs and private orgs set up food booths and sold a wide variety of food items such as Korean corndogs, fried pickles, Chick-faux-la sandwiches, BBQ, burgers, root beer floats and pretty much anything else you could think of.

Writer holding seasoned fruit infront of the Stars and Stripes sign (Kristen Thoennes)

It was fun being a part of such a large base event! From what I understand, this is the first time they held it on the flightline, so it was extra cool to be a part of it.

We had really good engagement from the community. It was really nice to have several people compliment us on our newspaper and magazines; and, our sunglasses were a HUGE hit because it was so sunny!

We can’t wait to go back next year!