NAS Jacksonville Multi-Cultural Fair

The fair, which was held at the Bachelor Officer's Pavilion, showcased numerous cultures through entertainment, command-sponsored exhibit booths and special food samplings provided by the galley.

"The annual Multi-Cultural Awareness Fair presents an opportunity to enhance cross-cultural awareness and recognize contributions and achievements of the different ethnic groups that make up the American culture," explained NAS Jax Equal Opportunity Advisor ITCM(SW) Vernon Gardner Jr.

"The fair promotes harmony among all military members, their families and the civilian work force. The focus of the fair is directed toward interaction not just recognition."

The fair is sponsored by the NAS Jax Multi-Cultural Awareness Committee (MCAC), which is comprised of volunteers from the different commands. The committee plans, coordinates and sets up everything to bring the fair to the base.

"This fair lets us celebrate all the different cultures that make up our country. It took a lot planning and we had a lot of help from volunteers and the commands here to organize this event. Everyone came together to help with the food, set-up, creating booths and entertainment. It's a lot of work but we had a great turnout so it makes it all worth it," said IT2 Sherri Hill, a member of the MCAC.

NAS Jax Equal Opportunity Advisor ITCM(SW) Vernon Gardner presents SK2 Travis Bonn of Aviation Support Detachment with the first place trophy after winning the car show competition.

Command participation is also required to make this a successful event.

"Each year, commands are asked to get involved by choosing an ethnic group and setting up a special display about customs, foods, clothing, and other ethnic items. Our committee works extremely hard organizing this event, setting up, helping out during the day and cleaning up. We really appreciate everyone's support," Hill continued.

The event began as MU3 Sean Meyer sang the national anthem and NAS Jax Command Chaplain Cmdr. Gerald Felder gave the invocation. NAS Jax Executive Officer Cmdr. Ellis Bowler then offered a few remarks to kick off the festivities.

"I'd like to thank the Multi-Cultural Awareness Committee for working so hard to put on this event. And, thanks to the Navy Band for their performance. I'd also like to thank all the hands who have fixed us this delicious food and those who put together all the booths," said Bowler.

"This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the diversity that is the fabric of our nation. It's a chance to celebrate all the cultures that make up this great nation and our Navy. I think we are leading the way within our society by hosting events like this and it helps us to understand the different cultures within our society."

As visitors arrived, they stopped by the various booths gathering information.

Once the food line opened, the line grew longer and longer as guests dined on hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken, fajitas and pork adobo. Some of the food items were donated by the NAS Jax Commissary and was all prepared by members of the MCAC.

A group of belly dancers from the Sahara Silk Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble perform for the crowd.

Entertainment was provided by YN2 Sheena Thrasher who performed a hula dance, African storytelling by Martha Davis, a fashion show, songs by Brinson of God Chasers, Sahara Silk Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble and the Columbian Band and Dancers of Northeast Florida.

Several commands sponsored booths at the event representing such countries as Japan, The Philippines, Italy, Mexico and Africa.

"I think they've done a nice job out here to show the different diversities and backgrounds of the people who make up our country. I'm really enjoying myself.

The food is good, entertainment was good and the car show was nice. I'm having a great time," said PS1(AW) Kit Tolliver of Naval Region Southeast Regional Component Command.

Members of the Navy Band Southeast Jazz Ensemble perform a number for the crowd during the fair.

Another highlight of the event was the annual Car and Motorcycle Show. Placing first in the car show was SK2 Travis Bonn of Aviation Support Detachment with his Nissan Maxima. Second place went to Chris Garcia and Scott Uria.

Winning first and second with his two motorcycles was Staff Sgt. Gerard Bowman of Jax Recruiting Battalion.

Awardees were presented trophies courtesy of the NAS Jax MCAC.

"This is the big annual event for the base. We have smaller observances throughout the year, but this one celebrates all the different cultures and backgrounds of our people," said Hill.

Planning for next year's celebration will begin early next year.

Anyone interested in helping out or who is interested in joining the MCAC can call 542-3304.

NAS Jax Executive Offcer Cmdr. Ellis Bowler gives his remarks to kick off the annual NAS Jax Multi-Cultural Fair at the BOQ Pavilion Aug. 28.

ITCM(SW) Vernon Gardner, NAS Jax Equal Opportunity Advisor ITCM(SW) Vernon Gardner presents Staff Sgt. Gerard Bowman of Jax Recruiting Battalion with the first place trophy for the Best in Show category in the motorcycle competition.