While thinking about a lead into a short post about a sunkissed-summer event, Sarah Summers' words were timely:
"In a world of popsicles and flip-flop days, summer's magic never fades."
Last Saturday morning, a dedicated Kids Summer Fun Fest committee worked diligently with my co-chairman and me to transform the Creekside Community patio areas and outdoor pool into a kids' wonderland. It was one of those HOT summer days with blue skies and no dark clouds. As everyone proceeded to their assigned stations, our first 8-year-old guest entered with his grandmother. There were many stations for him to check out, such as the dance party patio with hula hoops, lawn games, crafts table, face painting, and water tattoos area. A few minutes later, more children from toddlers to 12-year-olds entered with their smiling grandparents and parents. Everybody was ready for a day of summer magic.
Refreshments of water, crunchy goldfish and pretzels, and assorted-flavored popsicles were waiting. Stations started filling with participants. Lively chatter could be heard even with the dance music playing in the background. While waiting for the pool to open, the children mingled with each other and adults chatted with neighbors and family members while helping their little ones navigate the fun fest activities. A hula hoop demonstration was set up by two smiling adults who happened to know how to use the hoops. It was fun watching the older kids join in with their moving moves. A group of tween boys showed their ability to use the hoops as we watched them in awe. They wiggled, threw the hoops in the air, and slid them across the patio. Shouts of joy and clapping added to the festivities.
Photos were taken before the pool opened. The whistle blew and no more than 38 children and adults were allowed into the pool area at a time Some children stayed in the station areas having fun with the adult monitors. Some ran in an out of the pool area to grab tasty treats, while others swam, played water basketball, and splashed around. Summer magic did not fade during the two-hour block of time.
When the fun fest was nearing an end, each child stopped at the Treasure Chest Station to choose one of the prizes. Glow stick items were chosen; the headband with the little mouse ears was the most sought-after treasure. As we waved goodbye to our guests, we sighed with relief that no one needed the first aid kit, there was no rain, and everyone enjoyed themselves. The committee chatted about the successful event as they began the clean-up process. I think even the adults and committee enjoyed this summer event which was the first-ever Kids Summer Fun Fest.
Below you will find a cherita, the Malay word for story or tale. I created a cherita poem comprised of three stanzas with 1 line in the 1st stanza line, 2 lines in the 2nd stanza, and 3 lines in the 3rd stanza. I also designed a digital invitation that provides an introduction to the event and my poem. After the last stanza, you will find a photograph of families and children enjoying the pool. Placed together the cherita poem, with the digital ad and photograph become an image poem.
joyful summertime celebration
kids follow the trail to fun
hula hoops twirl, faces shine with fresh paint, tattoos adorn arms and faces
grandparents and parents smile with contentment
kids exit with a prize as thank yous float through the air
©CVarsalona, 2023
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At the end of the day, my co-chairperson and I knew that the committee provided a world of popsicles and joyful fun activities, letting each child share in summer's magic.
I share this Slice of Life with Two Writing Teachers who open their space weekly as a meeting place for reflective writers.
🌞Happy Summer, everyone. May each day be magical!🌞
