The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
COOLING DOWN
Kids hit the water during annual water carnival
Oneida, N.Y. — Oneida’s youth cooled down with group water games, a giant slide, and other activities last week during Oneida Parks and Recreation Department’s Annual Vet’s Pool Water Carnival, an event free to all.
A temperature in the upper 80s set the scene for the water-time fun. What looked like over 50 kids showed up, along with their families who popped a chair and enjoyed watching from afar.
When kids weren’t cooling off on the waterslide provided by Airtime Inflatables or tossing water balloons, they could grab a popsicle or Kool-aid refreshment to hydrate and catch a breath. They’d need all their energy for playing tug-or-war. Teams included boys vs. girls and lifeguards vs. kids. The girls rang in a victory or two, and the kids overpowered the lifeguards.
When the lawn games were over, it was time to hit Chapman Pool. Games like freeze tag and water basketball kept the fun going. Some kids did flips off the diving board.
Like many events, the water carnival was a bust last year due to COVID-19. Parks and Recreation Coordinator Justin Acker said they received just as good a turnout this year as any year, and his lifeguard team was excited to take part in this traditional event. The lifeguards even got a chance to enjoy the waterslide for themselves, he said. He thanked Airtime Inflatables, a local company that’s been a longtime partner with Oneida for the water carnival. The company gives them a great deal on the waterslide, he said.
Now, Acker’s recreation team is gearing up for a milestone event in October: Oneida’s First Annual Fall Fest. A flurry of fall activities for all ages will take place on October 2 behind the Oneida Commons. Scheduled events include pumpkin races, corn hole, and face painting. Food trucks will also be available. Follow the Oneida Parks and Recreation Facebook page for updates.