I can understand that you would want to let thousands of cars into Feltwell for july 4th,i cant understand why only 1 line of traffic was let out.We waited 1 hour 40 mins from the middile of the fireworks just to get off the base.

Feltwell you are a disgrace to your own people,and your guests. 

We missed the fireworks on RAFF last year, someone had the bright idea of instructing the gate guards to not allow anyone else on base. We are DOD ID holders yet we weren't allowed ON base to see the fireworks, yet non-ID holders were on base. That was a farce. What, that mega-gigantic field in the middle of nowhere isn't big enough or something? 

I could see them opening up another gate only to have them drive around the front side of the gate again to get back to their homes. What good would that do? It would hold up traffic longer. Fine idea would be to not go next year.

Thanks to all the men and women who sat outside in the heat making sure things went right! Americans and Brits alike. 

We left an hour before the fireworks. It was really crowded, every food line was ridiculously long and way overpriced. My kids were cranky so we called it a night. Next year we will go to the 1gbp rides day (which was much less crowded and cheaper) and skip the actual 4th of July all together. 

Last night was our first night experiencing the madness of RAFF 4th of July traffic. I think next year we will stay home. We sat near our car in the field for the fireworks trying to beat some of the traffic and packed our things during the grand finale. Well we got in our car and started moving at 10:27pm (fireworks still going) and didnt get off base until 12:12am!! We sat in one spot for a solid hour (with a screaming toddler none the less), and like the ppl around us we just turned our car off. I very seriously doubt we go next year, that was ridiculous. NO ONE knew how to direct traffic. 

We stood in line for about 3 mins for dinner at 745pm and we were out of the parking lot in 15 mins or less. Sucks you guys had a bad time. Rides were overpriced but you tell me somewhere in the UK things arent overpriced for Americans. The worst part about yesterday was we had to share our celebration with the brits along side us. Didn't we succeed from them and that is why we celebrate in the first place? 

We stood in line for about 3 mins for dinner at 745pm and we were out of the parking lot in 15 mins or less. Sucks you guys had a bad time. Rides were overpriced but you tell me somewhere in the UK things arent overpriced for Americans. The worst part about yesterday was we had to share our celebration with the brits along side us. Didn't we succeed from them and that is why we celebrate in the first place?


were you on a motorcycle?? That'd be the ONLY way i went next year BUT cant put carseats motorcycles. Im glad you enjoyed yourself. I did find it quiet odd that we were celebrating our independence from Britain... in Britain. Just like I found it odd that we were all wearing jackets b/c it was cold out last night during the fireworks. I'm from ga and usually the biggest annoyance for us on the 4th was the heat, humidity, gnats and mosquitoes, not a cool breeze. 

lol... ummmmm... its like that every year. We normally head out of town on the 4th because it is too crazy and I don't want it to take me 3 hours to get home in bumper to bumper traffic. Another thing I have never understood is the sale of alcohol during the event. EVERY time I have gone it has lead to issues. Last time we were practically mowed down by the British police as they were chasing some drunk idiot through the crowd. 

No one seems to appreciate the amount of money this event generates for all of the squadrons that participate. I bet you go and enjoy the Christmas parties though, which wouldn't be nearly as fabulous without events like this. 

I bet you go and enjoy the Christmas parties though

In 7 years of marriage/military I went to my wife's Christmas party for the very first time this past Christmas. It was boring and we left early. I'll likely never go to another one. 

We bought our lunch from my husband's squadron but I doubt we will be attending the Christmas party. We also find them boring and I always feel like I dont belong and want to leave as soon as I open the door. Plus I dont have a babysitter here like I did at our last base. 

@ Rabbitt..... I completely agree with you. Why the hell the Brits want to celebrate us kicking their a#$ blows my mind. But then again not much is surprising in this country. All the way down to the over-priced rides. Glad I live on RAFF didnt have to drive anywhere but had to keep the house locked up tighter than the Queens a#$ with all these Brits on base it was a free for all... 

Glad I live on RAFF didnt have to drive anywhere but had to keep the house locked up tighter than the Queens a#$ with all these Brits on base it was a free for all...

Look on the bright side, you probably felt that is was just like home.. Back on the Ghettos!!!! Hahaha 

I did... Just missing the bars on my windows... 

Rides were overpriced but you tell me somewhere in the UK things arent overpriced for Americans.
Go to any fair in the UK and that is the prices you will pay for the rides. Over priced I agree but they aren't putting their prices up because it was on an American base.

The worst part about yesterday was we had to share our celebration with the brits along side us.
If you don't like it then don't go or get a flight home to celebrate.

Glad I live on RAFF didnt have to drive anywhere but had to keep the house locked up tighter than the Queens a#$ with all these Brits on base it was a free for all...
Yeah cos I'm sure you had a queue of Brits just waiting to break into your house! 

I bet you go and enjoy the Christmas parties though

Nope cause it is a bunch of drunk idiots and crappy food or way to expensive to go.

If you don't like it then don't go or get a flight home to celebrate

I get to leave this country soon anyways. can not wait!!!


Yeah cos I'm sure you had a queue of Brits just waiting to break into your house!

wouldnt put it past them. if they can steal from lords walk they can steal on base to. 

All the way down to the over-priced rides.

I don't understand why they just don't sell a bracelet/hand stamp that enables the customer to ride whatever rides they want. It would make the lines move faster since there would be no wait when the guy is collecting the money, getting change and then making sure the cars of the ride are secure.

Also, It would be great if the British food vendors accepted USD and lowered their prices to make themselves more competitive with some of the USAF stands. I would have LOVED to try some of the Toffee and other goodies the Brits were offering but paying in GBP freaks me out. I'm always thinking in dollars, and when I see GBP I often think "Crap! It is too expensive, can't buy it". For example 1.50GBP for a can of Coke. No thanks. ;) 

I don't understand why they just don't sell a bracelet/hand stamp that enables the customer to ride whatever rides they want.

The reason is that the travellers own maybe a couple of the rides/stalls and they get the money they earn on the night it doesn't all go into one big pot.

Also, It would be great if the British food vendors accepted USD and lowered their prices to make themselves more competitive with some of the USAF stands.

Travellers won't drop there prices for ANYONE!! 

The worst part about yesterday was we had to share our celebration with the brits along side us. Didn't we succeed from them and that is why we celebrate in the first place?

I work with a bunch of British people and they're pretty nice. I know it's the celebration of our independence from them over 200 years ago, but a lot has changed since then. For one, they're our biggest ally. For another, we're in their country, using their bases to further our missions.

Sure, there's some give and take. And I too miss the USA. But really, I think most people celebrate the 4th of July more for the firecrackers, the airshows, the food, the company, and the DAY OFF! :) Not to use it as a day to bash British people. 

@SSDD

I said the same thing about the rides. A bracelet would be awesome. 

Also, It would be great if the British food vendors accepted USD and lowered their prices to make themselves more competitive with some of the USAF stands.

Travellers won't drop there prices for ANYONE!!

Also they generally don't use banks which they would have to do if they wanted to change money from $ to £. 

I work with a bunch of British people and they're pretty nice. I know it's the celebration of our independence from them over 200 years ago, but a lot has changed since then. For one, they're our biggest ally. For another, we're in their country, using their bases to further our missions.

Sure, there's some give and take. And I too miss the USA. But really, I think most people celebrate the 4th of July more for the firecrackers, the airshows, the food, the company, and the DAY OFF! :) Not to use it as a day to bash British people.

Well said :o) 

HAHAHA.. Biggest Allies my a#s.... Someone is clueless in the world of the military... 

We actually only spent like 10-15 minutes to get off base. But we left after only like 5 minutes of fireworks cause I got sick walking in the parking lot. Think that cold pulled pork crappy a$$ sandwich I over paid for did it to me. Still paying for it today.
I actually enjoyed the event as a whole. And guess I'm one of the weird ones that enjoy the christmas parties too, but I also like to be involved and help out with squadron things. 

Someone is clueless in the world of the military...

On the contrary, I've probably studied more on the topic than most considering I majored in it in college. 

Whatever you wanna think.... I would go with biggest whiney allies if anything...

I personally prefer working with Isreal, Germany, Japan, Canada, and Australia... But if you think England is so great then why are they bitching and whineing about the USA pulling out 10,000 people when we have what almost 100,000 troops there not to mention all of the equiptment. And the UK has a whoooooooooping 9,000ish.. Really... Some Alli... 

I'm sure some would say the same about us. The day people don't find some reason or another to b*tch and whine... 

I work with a bunch of British people and they're pretty nice. I know it's the celebration of our independence from them over 200 years ago, but a lot has changed since then. For one, they're our biggest ally. For another, we're in their country, using their bases to further our missions.

Sure, there's some give and take. And I too miss the USA. But really, I think most people celebrate the 4th of July more for the firecrackers, the airshows, the food, the company, and the DAY OFF! :) Not to use it as a day to bash British people.

amen! 

Travellers won't drop there prices for ANYONE!!

Also they generally don't use banks which they would have to do if they wanted to change money from $ to £.

How do they get on base for the 4th of July weekend? Does the base commander just say:

"Ok Travelers, you can come on base for free for this American holiday and charge lots of money for our US troops and their families to utilize your rides, food stands and carny games....we won't stand in your way".

I don't really know how it works that is why I'm asking. But, if I had to take a guess it would seem logical to me that the vendors invited to the event would be paid for their services ahead of time. Kind of like how a musical artist gets paid to come to a concert and perform. You buy a ticket and that is all....the artist doesn't stop in between each song and say "Ok, now for the next song everybody pass forward one British pound".

Too much "queuing" if you ask me. It seems smarter for the USAF to fund the event and then use the admission fee to cover the 4th of July the following year. It sucks having to take out GBP (we took 30 quid, which is like $50) for rides. The Mayfair Bazaar is different because a good amount of the vendors also take USD....as well as lowering their normal prices. This in turn raises interest in the products and by word of mouth brings more business, i.e. $$$$$$

If the RAFF 4th of July event was paid for (as far as the rides are concerned) ahead of time, enabling the people going to buy a bracelet or "hand stamp" the event would be FAR smoother and more fun for everyone.

Back home we have the "Warren County Fair" and it is setup this way.

Warren County Fair, Pennsylvania

It would just be better this way. But in the end it doesn't matter to me as I won't be going to RAFF for the 4th again, we won't be in England by then. I only hope it gets better for the people that will be going in the future. 

@ SSDD... Me either, last 4th of July in this God Foresaken country... Not to mention, the fireworks were pretty weak LOL... Cant wait to go to a "REAL" carnival..... This I think was really more for the British in the end. I mean seriously, if you think about it. Why else would they all be allowed on base to celebrate an american holiday. But they all get the best of both worlds charge normal price for Brits since they get paid in pounds and screw us US personnel who get paid in USD....

Glad our fore-fathers got away from this place and started a real country.....