Cannon appreciation day to continue despite BRAC

Tonya Garner: Freedom Newspapers

Committee of Fifty President Terry Moberly said the 16th annual Cannon Appreciation Day will be held Friday at Unity Park regardless of whether the air base remains on the Pentagon’s base-closing list.

Moberly said base supporters plan to put on their “happy faces” during the event on base while they grill hamburgers and hot dogs for base airmen and officers, their families and Cannon supporters.

“This decision (recommended closure by the Pentagon) is not the airmen’s fault,” Moberly said. “We are going to totally support them regardless.

“We just want to show everyone at Cannon how much we appreciate them. It will be a good time.”

The Base Closure and Realignment Commission is expected to announce its decision on Cannon sometime today.

Sheri Hayes serves as liaison between the base and the community members hosting the event.

“We had a great turnout last year,” Hayes said. “The airmen are looking forward to the event.”

Moberly said drawings will be held for prizes that include bicycles and televisions.

Tug-of-war, music and a pie-eating contest are also planned.

The event is also sponsored by the Clovis-Curry County Chamber of Commerce and the Clovis Industrial Development Corp.

Cannon Appreciation Day

Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Date: Friday

Place: Unity Park at Cannon

There will be a free picnic lunch, door prizes and games.