YPG’s 2020 open house extravaganza coming on Feb. 15
Two years ago, more than 12,000 people visited U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in the biggest open house of the proving ground’s history.
In the wake of the successful YPG 75th Anniversary extravaganza in February 2018, YPG will once again open its doors to the public for a fun-filled day. The bash will take place Feb. 15, with gates opening at 9 a.m. and opening ceremonies kicking off at 10 a.m. Admission is free.
“I want to show people what we do here and break down some of the mystery of our operations,” said Col. Ross Poppenberger, YPG Commander. “It’s important for the public to see the equipment we test and how technologically advanced it is. It’s also an opportunity for our veterans to see the latest and greatest.”
U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground’s impact on the national defense is even more significant than ever given that it directly supports six of the Army Future Command’s eight cross-functional teams undertaking a significant Army modernization program.
In addition to giving visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the equipment tested at the proving ground, the upcoming open house will feature live entertainment from legendary headlining musical act Grand Funk Railroad, along with local favorites Side Hustle and 2019 Yuma Battle of the Bands winners THP. The Manhattan Dolls, crowdpleasers during the YPG 75th Anniversary, will be back for an encore, and both the Gila Ridge High School Marching and Jazz Bands will also be on hand.
Military skydivers, high performance jet flyovers, military working dog demonstrations, historic exhibits, food and drink, a massive, fun-filled play area for kids, and a closing fireworks show are also on tap for the event.
“It’s an opportunity to thank the Yuma community for the strong support they have always given us,” said Poppenberger.
“But, at the end of the day, the event is a party and a chance for everyone to have a fun time.”
NEW TRAFFIC AND PARKING PLAN
The biggest impediment to folks participating in the YPG 75th Anniversary celebration two years ago was a major traffic tie-up on U.S. Highway 95, which throughout the year has the highest traffic volume of any two lane road in Arizona — it is estimated upwards of 5,000 discouraged people missed the fun rather than wait in the traffic.
YPG 2020 planners have done their best to mitigate Highway 95’s inadequacy by utilizing runways at one of YPG’s airfields for event parking, which should significantly reduce the number of chokepoints in between the event-going traffic and the parking areas, thus easing traffic congestion on the highway.
To accommodate the new parking and traffic plan, eastbound traffic from the California state line on Imperial Dam Road will be prohibited throughout the day, as will westbound traffic on Martinez Lake Road in the final hours of the event.
The event’s parking area is several miles away from the event venue, and pedestrian traffic will be prohibited on the road between the two. Instead, event-goers will be shuttled from the parking area to the event venue following a security screening by YPG Police prior to boarding the shuttles. A full list of prohibited items can be found at www.ypg2020. com.
“Make sure you don’t have any weapons, illegal drugs, outside food or drink, or big coolers,” said Sgt. Cheryl Avery of the YPG Police Department. “Small lawn chairs without footrests and blankets will be permitted.”
Returning to your parked vehicle after attending the event will also involve waiting for a shuttle. To ensure plenty of parking for all throughout the day, Recreational Vehicles of all types will be prohibited from entering YPG and the parking area. Overnight parking of any kind at the airfield will also be prohibited.
BUS SERVICE ALSO AVAILABLE
As an alternative to driving, Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT) will offer express bus service to the event from bus stops at Target in Yuma Palms Mall and outside of the Old Fry’s location in the Yuma Foothills.
Bus passengers will disembark at YPG’s Heritage
Center museum, a short walking distance from the event site, and undergo security screening there.
SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE INSERT
A keepsake 20-page ‘YPG 2020’ issue of YPG’s post newspaper, The Outpost, will appear in the Sunday, February 9th, edition of the Yuma Sun, featuring an event program and other information about YPG’s immense support of the current Army modernization efforts. Event information can also be found at www.ypg2020.com.
We hope to see you at the event!
Mark Schauer is the public affairs officer at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground.