It was the first time Marion students were treated to a final “Back to School Splash!” before school starts back this week.
The event, sponsored by Marion Parks and Recreation, was estimated to have had more than 100 students attending,
Allison Shults, employed part-time with the recreation department, said preschoolers and ages on up were invited.
“The food booth was available through Marion Advancement Campaign, which served more than 130 hamburgers and sausage dogs,” she said.
All proceeds from the meals went toward putting up a roof over the stage area, she said.
Other activities included face painting by USD 408 cheerleaders, Shults said, and games including football, bean bag toss, shaving cream Twister, badminton and a human ring toss.
“We had 400 water balloons for volleyball,” she said, “and they were gone in less than 10 minutes.
“We definitely need more next year.”
Pam Byer, vice-chairwoman of parks and recreation commission, brought bubbles and a big wand, Shults said.
“The bubbles were well received,” she said.
A five-member country and pop band, Ubah City Limits, was sponsored by Central National Bank.
Band members were Duane McCarty on bass; Rick Boaldin on keyboards; Gail Boaldin and Allen Makovec on guitar and Allen Makovec, drummer.
Shults said she started working at the ball park earlier in the summer, but later was approved for a part time job in parks and recreation.
“I love the job,” she said, “because there’s something different every day.”
Margo Yates, director of the department, said she would always like more people attending these events, but it was a success.
“The people who came had fun,” she said.
As for the idea, Yates said it was something for students.
Other groups co-sponsoring were USD 408, MHS booster, MES PAC, Marion Kiwanis Club, MAC, PRIDE and the Marion Fire Department.
During the next several weeks, Shults said she and Yates are planning an NFL weekly challenge and also a poker game.
For more information, call 620-382-3425 or stop by the office at 203 N. Third St.
Emails can be sent to: margo@marionks.net or the website at: marionks.net.
Other schools starting classes this week include Hillsboro and Goessel both beginning Thursday, Aug. 17; Peabody, Tuesday, Aug. 22; and Canton-Galva Wednesday, Aug. 23.
