GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 319th Civil Engineer Squadron hosted the annual 319th Air Refueling Wing Snow Parade Sept. 22 through the streets of Grand Forks Air Force Base.
The parade gave base personnel a chance to see the wing's snow removal equipment and how the equipment will be used before the first snow.
"This year, we showed six different pieces of snow removal equipment," said Senior Master Sgt. Victor Correa, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron. "The equipment shown included a snow broom, two different types of plows, a big snow blower, a road grater and a loader."
The wing commander, the group commanders and the wing command chief master sergeant drove or rode inside the equipment used in the parade.
"It was a great event," said Col. Tammy Knierim, 319th Mission Support Group commander. "The parade gave us a chance to take the equipment out and take it for a ride to make sure everything is working properly before winter hits."
Once the first snow falls, the 319th CES will begin its snow removal operations.
"On average, Grand Forks AFB uses 41 different pieces of snow removal equipment during the winter months," said Sergeant Correa.
The parade also featured several of the base's fire trucks, security forces vehicles, McGruff the crime fighting dog, Sparky the fire dog and Santa Claus.
Following the parade, the snow equipment was displayed in Liberty Square's parking lot to allow Airmen and their families a chance to interact with the equipment.