Matt Showalter, a volunteer from Bellevue's MaxMuscle store, watches over Bob Osborne, director of Hy-Vee stores, as he checks the temperature of the Bratwurst at the Offutt Advisory Council's Annual Offutt Appreciation Picnic June 10, 2011 at the Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Base Lake. Team Offutt employees and their families enjoyed a day in the sun that included free food, beverages and entertainment during the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jeff W. Gates/Released)
Zakkary Bianchi, son of Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Bianchi from the Air Force Weather Agency, jumps through one of many inflatable bounce houses at the Offutt Advisory Council's Annual Offutt Appreciation Picnic June 10, 2011 at the Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Base Lake. Team Offutt employees and their families enjoyed a day in the sun that included free food, beverages and entertainment during the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jeff W. Gates/Released)
Air Force Capt. Brian Florio, 55th Maintenance Squadron, guides his daughter Sophia around for a pony ride at the Offutt Advisory Council's Annual Offutt Appreciation Picnic June 10, 2011 at the Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Base Lake. Team Offutt employees and their families enjoyed a day in the sun that included free food, beverages and entertainment during the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jeff W. Gates/Released)
5/10/2012 - OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Belts are loosening as more than 5,000 hamburgers, 2,500 polish sausages and 2,500 hot dogs are getting ready to be grilled for Team Offutt's military, civilian, retiree and family members during the annual Offutt Appreciation Picnic June 8 at Offutt's base lake.
For those seeking a little time outdoors after an unusual spring, the free Offutt Appreciation Picnic is scheduled to show thanks to all 12,000 base employees and their families for being an integral part of the community.
Besides free food and drinks, several varieties of entertainment will be available for attendees.
The band Out of the Fire will begin playing 11 a.m. and door prizes will be passed out as early as 11:30 a.m. Offutt children can enjoy face painting, pony rides, inflatable's and petting animals from the Henry Doorly Zoo.
This level of appreciation could not be shown without a steady stream of work from the Offutt Advisory Council, a group of local community leaders who gather once a month to discuss the ways they can support service members.
Shuttles will run from the lower parking lot of U.S. Strategic Command to the base lake from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional parking is available at the lake, but people are advised to use the shuttle service in order to mitigate potential traffic congestion.
As a reminder, no coolers, backpacks or pets, aside from service dogs, are allowed at the picnic.
