A Day Logistics

USMAMom

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2012
Messages
28
We are planning to attend A Day and I know that the parade/ceremony is on the parade field at 9AM, then we can spend from 11AM-1PM with our cadet (C4C :thumb:), but I don't know where we should go after the ceremony. Does anyone know where we should park and have our picnic lunch? Can we bring a portable grill/easy up and treat it like a tailgate? My in laws would like to come, but they have trouble walking long distances, so I would like to figure out the logistics before we decide if if it makes sense for them to come. Thanks!
 
We are planning to attend A Day and I know that the parade/ceremony is on the parade field at 9AM, then we can spend from 11AM-1PM with our cadet (C4C :thumb:), but I don't know where we should go after the ceremony. Does anyone know where we should park and have our picnic lunch? Can we bring a portable grill/easy up and treat it like a tailgate? My in laws would like to come, but they have trouble walking long distances, so I would like to figure out the logistics before we decide if if it makes sense for them to come. Thanks!

Others will reply I am sure with the recent fires I hesitate to suggest a grill, I would park at the clune area and the earlier you get there the better the space. Should be buses that would take you to parade field and back, you should be able to come out on the parade field after the parade and see your new cadet. Your parents wouldnot be able to walkto his room it would be to far, if they waited while you did that is what I would suggest. You have to play it byear because of weather.
 
The closest place to park is the Fieldhouse. That is where we parked and it is not a bad walk back there after the parade (5 minutes). If you get there early enough you could probably drive up and drop off your in-laws right at the parade grounds and then go park the car. Then they would only have to walk one way. I would agree that a grill isn't a good idea. The time you have with your cadet is minimal and I wouldn't waste it cooking. Bring cold sandwiches or something else that is simple and easy. The cadets will wolf down the food and then talk for the entire two hours.

Because of the early time that we had to be there for the parade, we looked at options for food the night before. Someone suggested to us to ask at the hotel that we stayed at (The Academy Hotel) and the staff there was great. We ordered the food the night before and the staff had 8 box lunches all packed and ready for us at 0630. We put them in a cooler in the car and it was all ready when the parade ended. Since it was hot out that day, we went and sat inside the fieldhouse by the hockey arena to eat and visit.

Stealth_81
 
You will see that people will leave their chairs, blankets, tables, icechests, etc. staked out under some prime shade tree by the fieldhouse before the parade. They get there early, find a shady spot, leave their stuff to claim the spot, and ride the bus (or walk) up to the parade field.
 
We are planning to attend A Day and I know that the parade/ceremony is on the parade field at 9AM, then we can spend from 11AM-1PM with our cadet (C4C :thumb:), but I don't know where we should go after the ceremony. Does anyone know where we should park and have our picnic lunch? Can we bring a portable grill/easy up and treat it like a tailgate? My in laws would like to come, but they have trouble walking long distances, so I would like to figure out the logistics before we decide if if it makes sense for them to come. Thanks!

If its like last year, once you enter the AFA grounds (non-AF have to enter the at the north gate) you will be directed by staff/volunteers along the route to park in the field house parking lot. If your in-laws can't walk long distances, definitely catch the shuttle bus to the parade field. The walk isn't too terribly far, but combined with the high altitude, it can become difficult. You can't take coolers, large totes, etc. in to the parade field stands--airmen will be there to make sure, and purses will be looked in--so leave your picnic in the car until after the parade.

My son and I walked to my car after the shoulder board ceremony, and were able to drive closer to the parade field and park in the seniors parking lot (I guess they must take off after the parade? not sure where they all went!). Then we unloaded my food contribution for the squadron picnic (shady area by the sr. parking lot). Being in this lot was a plus once we left the picnic and carried the things I brought my son for his room--printer, snacks, school stuff, etc.--again, its a decent walk up hill, plus my son was on the 6th floor. I did have to sit down once we got to his room, and I consider myself to be in decent shape! :rolleyes: The altitude really gets to you. And remember, doolies can't use the elevators, and parents can't be in the cadet area without their cadet, so we walked the stairs together.

And I agree with the other comments, a grill probably isn't the best idea right now. More trouble than its worth, plus its very dry. The cadets will want to eat quickly and move on to other things. The couple hours will go quickly with you!

_________________
Proud mom of a C3C
 
We offered to provide lunch for our BC's flight since many of them won't have family visiting them on that day. In other words, we will have coolers and large bags to tote around. My idea is to have the kids who are without family members follow us back to our car and we can tailgate there. Should we try to park at the field house and if anyone has any suggestions for us that would be great! :smile:
 
We offered to provide lunch for our BC's flight since many of them won't have family visiting them on that day. In other words, we will have coolers and large bags to tote around. My idea is to have the kids who are without family members follow us back to our car and we can tailgate there. Should we try to park at the field house and if anyone has any suggestions for us that would be great! :smile:

We parked at the field and left the coolers and bags in the trunk while we attended the parade. Our cadet and others too came to the parking lot where we ate, we took the leftovers and walked back to his squadron which was a hike, we had so many drinks and cakes that we left those at the CQ's desk and the rest were shared with squad mates. We had about a 45 minute visit in his room with his AMT and AOC before we had to leave. I hope that helps.
 
Back
Top