A day-long event celebrating Armed Forces Day takes place Saturday, in Atlantic. Steve Livengood and his wife Marie created the “BaDa BaDa Bing Bang Rally” four-years ago. The event also serves to recognize Atlantic’s Sesquicentennial year with the monthly theme being “Atlantic Salutes the Military.” Owner/operators come from all over the state of Iowa. They also come from Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. The rally continues to grow every year. Steve says most of the military vehicle owners will allow you touch and explore their vehicle, if you ask. He said many of the participants will already be there in the morning, but some will come a bit later. The event wraps up by 3-p.m.

At that time, a cannon will be fired, and each of the military vehicles will begin a cruise through the town and out. The vehicles will make their way back into town, stopping at Wal-Mart for ice cream at around 3:20-p.m., and then finally its back to the Armory. His goal was to put 150 military equipment tires on the ground for Atlantic’s 150^th birthday. The equipment ranges in age from early World War Two [1940 or so] to some of the newest equipment…a span of about 55-to 60-years. There won’t be any tanks though, due to their weight and other issues.)

More than 35 vehicles are planning to be at the Rally providing 173 tires on the ground. The event will begin and end at th Armory (the American Legion Memorial Building), located at 201 Poplar Street in Atlantic. Inside the Armory, the Military Museum and Military Library will be open for viewing. A display of military rations, cooking, eating and cleaning, is set up in the Museum. A display of hundreds of military weapons and related items will be in the Memorial Hall. It includes high explosives, none in working condition.

A lunch for free will offering is provided by Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (ARISE), hosts for the Rally.