Ballgame, signing, events on tap for Army birthday             Chris Rasmussen    Leader Staff

Call it a cold front, if you will. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of only 93 degrees on Saturday for the Army’s 233rd Birthday. Despite the recent triple-digit temperatures, participants at the celebration can expect a slight reprieve to enjoy the slate of events, which includes the signing of the Army Community Covenant, military exhibits, children games and much more. “The water park is going to be open and we will also have vendors selling ice cream and slushies,” said Capt. Jerry Reitan, assistant S-3 for the 165th Infantry Brigade, which is organizing the celebration. “We will also have several tents up for families to get out of the sun or sit down to have lunch.” The celebration begins with a golf tournament at 8 a.m. at the Fort Jackson Golf Club. At the same time, a 5K run will start at Palmetto Falls Water Park. An opening ceremony and cake-cutting ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. at the MG Robert B. Solomon Center. The birthday party will also include a number of military weapons displays, static displays and living history displays depicting the different wars and conflicts, in which the Army has participated. These will be located at the Solomon Center and open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a barbecue, vendors, music and plenty of kid’s games for the entire family at the Solomon Center. The adjacent Palmetto Falls Water Park and mini golf will be open for use. Free admission will be provided to the first 500 patrons to the water park and first 50 patrons to mini golf who have military IDs. Capping the celebration, the City of Columbia is providing free tickets to the Blowfish Minor League baseball game, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Capital City Stadium. Tickets for the game are available for Soldiers, DA civilians, and their families — on a first come first serve basis. The city is also providing a pre-game cookout free of charge to the first 1,000 participants who pick up their tickets at the Victory Travel Office. The pre-game cookout begins at 6 p.m. Following the game there will be a fireworks display and patriotic music. The baseball game is free to all persons presenting a current and valid military, retired, DA civilian, or dependent ID at the stadium. Parking at the stadium is free for vehicles with DoD stickers. For more information, call 751-5804. There will also be a signing of the Army Community Covenant 4 p.m., Friday at Dreher High School. The Army Community Covenant is designed to develop and foster effective state and community partnerships with the Army in improving the quality of life for Soldiers and their families, both at their current duty stations and as they transfer from state to state. “Our relationship with Fort Jackson goes back to the beginning,” said Ike McLeese, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, which is sponsoring both the baseball game and the Army Covenant signing. “It’s been an affair of the heart since then.”