A “Wheelie Fun” July 4th

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The City of Mesquite Athletics and Leisure Services in conjunction with R.A.I.S.E. Mesquite organization planned a ‘Wheely Good’ Patriotic Fun Celebration for the 4th of July on Monday.

Beginning at 8 am there was a patriotic children’s parade around the Recreation Center West Field organized by Carly Toutant and R.A.I.S.E. Mesquite. At 10 AM the free outdoor pool party at the Recreation Center began with plenty of wet and wild fun and games.

Parade participants decorated any non-motorized bikes, scooters, or wagons with a patriotic theme. Prizes were awarded according to age groups.

There were thirty excited youngsters participating in the parade; and about thirty more parents. Many got into the celebration by dressing in Red, White, and Blue.

There were five judges and plenty of prizes given out to the paraders. The judges were Ava and John Scudder, Dana Long, Keith Peters and Debbie Peters Wild. Judging was based on effort, overall look, and theme.

Almost everyone left with a prize. Two Grand Prizes were donated by All In Cycles: BMX bicyles valued at $450 each. One went to Braylon Morrow and one to Aolani Baker.

A collapsible wagon prize donated by R.A.I.S.E. was won by Braxton Morrow. Other prize donating sponsors were: Aravada Spings, Adonai Landscaping, Jackson Contracting, Karen Fielding Realtor, City Councilman Wes Boger, City Councilwoman Sandra Ramaker, and Walmart.
“This was a fun time for everyone and we will do it again next year,” Toutant said.

The wet and wild pool party at the Recreation Center outdoor pool was also well attended. Two water bounce houses were provided for the littler kids. A continuous line snaked up the stairs for the large waterslide into the pool. And there were plenty of smiling faces, squeals and laughs.

Nichole Burton was the Recreation Event coordinator for the day giving out the drawing prizes and coordinating the games. There were plenty of lifeguards on hand clearly marked by their shirts.

Roger Coate brought his family and some out-of-town visitors to see the Recreation Center and the festivities. “We are eight months new to Mesquite and this is phenomenal,” Coate said. “Everyone is so friendly here.”

Ten-year-old Nevaeh McFarland said she came to the pool party last year too. Her favorite thing here was the waterslide.

Nancy Ruiz and Alyssa Ponce were happy campers. They each won a drawing prize.

The city provided free, water, sodas, chips and freeze pops. The event proved to be a popular family-friendly way to celebrate the 4th of July.