SUMMERTIME AND THE KIDS ARE JUMPING AT SLICE OF SUMMER
 | Author:
Nancy Marks, Reporter
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
SUMMERTIME AND THE KIDS ARE JUMPING AT SLICE OF SUMMER
Nancy Marks
Reporter
It was "boot-scootin'” boogie time at Slice of Summer Thursday at Heritage Park as Rotary’s first family activity of the season with the” Unpredicatables” band from Helena playing western tunes and kids jumping endlessly in the inflatables.
Ten Rotarians manned the various games and jumping activities while parents watched and enjoyed hotdogs and hamburgers prepared by the Lions’ Club. Rotarians also served Full Belli Deli pizza and lemonade was free. “We have many more inflatables but don’t have enough volunteers to supervise the activities. We wish more folks would come to volunteer for these important community events,” Rotarian Jeff Langlinais commented.
The pool was open for free swimming with lifeguards provided by the city. Head Lifeguard instructor Amanda Hazlett said the pool was overwhelmed with kids and parents who watched nearby. “Everybody had fun though,” she said.
Slice of Summer began fifteen years ago as an idea presented by Broadwater High School students who were interviewing for Rotary Scholarships, according to Rotarian Pat Plantenberg. Asked the question “What do we need for our community,” one student suggested a family night at the park, like Alive at Five has in Helena. Over the years the event has evolved into showcasing live music, food and lots of games and activities for kids. Rotarian Jody Toney arranges the bands for the event. “This year the music will be outstanding and we have one more event coming up on August 17,” she said.
In addition to fun and games, several organizations held informational booths including MSU Extension Service, Broadwater Search and Rescue, Southwest Montana Prevention, and Broadwater Community Theater. Stephanie Michaelson, of Southwest Montana Prevention said she was there to promote alternative activities to teens. “We try to encourage teens to get involved with productive alternatives to drinking alcohol or doing drugs,” she explained.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Nancy Marks
Image 1 Caption: The Unpredicatables perform western music at Slice of Summer Thursday.
Photo Credits: Nancy Marks
Image 2 Caption: Levi Cazier, age 3 and ½ , holds up the sides of the Rotarian “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” inflatable.
Photo Credits: Nancy Marks
Image 3 Caption: Rotarians bury quarters in the sandpile so kids can spend time digging for coins.
Photo Credits: Nancy Marks
