Team Dover participates in Old Dover Days

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  
The sound of bagpipes could be heard as musicians with black and green kilts marched down State Street, all in tune with the colonial theme of the 2007 Old Dover Days. 

Downtown Dover took a step back in time during a vintage-style parade May 6 as part of a festival, celebrating the history of the state capital. 

Held during the first weekend in May, Old Dover Days is a 74-year tradition, which features a parade of floats, marching bands and antique automobiles. The weekend also includes maypole dancing, a craft fair and demonstration, a civil war reenactment and live music. Throughout the weekend, many community members can be seen wearing clothing from colonial times. 

512th Airlift Wing Vice Wing Commander Col. David H. Wuest and his wife Sharon donned colonial attire and represented the Reserve at Dover Air Force Base. 

"Our involvement in the parade showed the importance of our relationship with the community," said Colonel Wuest, speaking of the ties between the base and Dover.
In a speech that followed the parade, Colonel Wuest spoke about the upcoming arrival of the base's first C-17. He explained the significance of the new call sign "Rider," which will be used during local radio transmissions. When communicating, aircrew members use call signs for identification purposes. 

"The call sign 'Rider' is related to Caesar Rodney's historic 80-mile horse ride to
Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence," said the vice commander. 

In addition to touring the historic sites of downtown Dover and participating in the parade, Colonel Wuest said one of his most enjoyable experiences from the day was being able to share in the celebration along side 436th Airlift Wing Mission Support Group Commander Col. Vic Sowers and his wife Pam. They were also representing the base at Old Dover Days. 

Dover native, Debbie Wilkins, was one of many parade goers who have enjoyed the Old Dover Days festivities for many years. 

"I make it an every year thing," she said. "I especially like to see the kids that dance along the maypole." 

While Old Dover Days is an annual spring tradition, the city of Dover also holds several other community events throughout the year. One of the most popular and widely attended celebrations in town is the Fourth of July. Like Old Dover Days, the Independence Day celebration includes a parade, historical park events, live music and of course, fireworks.