CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Thousands of Airmen, family members and civilian employees attended the 21st annual Cannon Appreciation Day at Unity Park Aug. 6 for an afternoon of food, family games and a chance to win $4,000 in raffle prizes.

The free event, which was hosted by the Committee of 50, the Clovis Chamber of Commerce and the Clovis Industrial Development Committee, is the largest event the base holds with the city each year, and is held annually in August.

Clovis and Curry County officials and community leaders served food to Airmen and their families and interacted with the Airmen who live and work in their community. The afternoon included traditional barbecue fare, family games and a pie-eating contest.

Paul Hopkins, the Cannon Community Center manager, said he expected 2,500 people to attend the event throughout the day.

2010 was his third year coordinating Cannon Appreciation Day for the base, and he said the event could not happen without volunteer support.

"This is the best year we've had," he said.

Mr. Hopkins said the city hosts the family-friendly barbecue to show their appreciation for Cannon Airmen and what they do. He hopes the event gives Airmen a sense of belonging in the community.

"We're all family," he said. "The city wants to take care of their own."

On hand were 4,000 burgers, 3,500 hot dogs, and 8,000 buns, plus beans, chips and sodas.

The city gave away approximately $4,000 in raffle prizes, including household appliances, tools, patio furniture, bikes, DVD players, and a 37-inch LCD television.

"It's definitely a morale booster to say the least, especially on a Friday afternoon," said Airman 1st Class Mike Burton of the 551st Special Operations Squadron who attended the barbecue with friends.

"It's nice for the community to come out and do this for the base," said Maj. Marina Johnston, who is assigned to the 27th Special Operations Medical Group.

Ernie Kos, Clovis Chamber of Commerce executive director, said the crowd was bigger than last year. Anticipating a larger event, more than 100 volunteers began setting up early Friday morning, she said.

The event has a total budget around $10,000, she said, and this is the sixth year raffle prizes have been given away.

"Cannon Appreciation Day gives us an opportunity to meet people stationed at Cannon and let them know we appreciate their service," she said.

Chamber President Tom Phelps said he looks forward to the event each year to "give back a small token of appreciation to the Air Commandos."

"Thanks for a job well-done," he said.

Brenda Miller, Southwest Cheese director of human resources, said the military is close to her heart because her husband is a retired service member. The company provided pepper jack, Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses for the burgers served Friday, and they have supported the event since 2005.

"It's the right thing to do," she said. "To support a group of people who serve selflessly."