2nd Annual “Splash into Summer” Event Promises Expanded Food, Free Family Fun at Foundation Plaza
- Steve Jurrens
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington Connects, and its community partners are gearing up to officially kick off the season with the second annual “Splash into Summer” celebration. The free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at downtown Watertown’s Foundation Plaza.
During a weekly check-in on Northeast Radio SD, Codington Connects Board President Sara Foust and Liz Brownell of the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown shared insights into what attendees can expect from this year’s expanded festivities.
A Collaborative Community Effort
The “Splash into Summer” initiative originated from a desire to create a safe, sober, and completely free environment for local families to connect while highlighting the diverse resources available in Codington County. Community Health Worker JoAn Porsen of Sanford spearheaded the event’s development, organizing a multi-organizational planning committee that emphasizes community collaboration.
Over 30 community partners will be on-site, each hosting interactive booths and unique activities tailored for children of all ages. Upon arrival, attendees are encouraged to look for the prominent blue check-in tent to collect a goody bag and a special event bingo card. Participants can collect stamps by visiting different partner booths and completing activities, earning an entry into drawings for various gifts and prizes.
Lessons Learned: Tripling the Food Supply
Organizers are actively preparing to accommodate a massive crowd following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural event. Initially planning for 300 to 400 attendees, the 2024 celebration drew more than 1,000 community members, forcing volunteers to scramble for extra supplies mid-event.
This year, the event features a completely free, heavily fortified menu with the help of local sponsors:
· Reliabank has graciously donated large hot dogs to be grilled fresh on-site.
· The Fraternal Order of Police will supply individual bags of chips.
· Visit Watertown is providing freshly popped popcorn.
· The Watertown Police Department will serve free ice cream directly out of their truck.
Activities and Entertainment
In addition to the partner booths, the plaza will feature a wide range of specialized entertainment:
· The Dunk Tank: A new addition this year, featuring prominent local community figures volunteering to be dunked.
· The Big Blue Blocks: The Boys and Girls Club of Watertown will set up its signature giant foam blocks on the east end of the park, allowing children an open space for creative building and collaborative play.
· Watertown Regional Library: Library staff will host a dedicated children’s reading and storytime circle during the evening.
· Live DJ: A local DJ will be positioned near the stage area to provide music and upbeat energy throughout the two-hour event.
“It’s a community that really embraces each other, we recognize there are needs and challenges, and that’s how we become better... it’s just really a wonderful attribute about Watertown coming together for an event like this,” Brownell stated.
Boys and Girls Club Prep Week
The event aligns perfectly with the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown’s annual summer preparation framework. The club is currently closed to regular services through Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day), reopening for full summer programming on Tuesday, May 26.
According to Brownell, staff are utilizing this transition week to execute facility deep-cleanings—such as waxing floors and pressure-washing seating—while undergoing comprehensive professional development. The club’s 30 to 40 staff members are completing refreshed training in first aid, CPR, and safety protocols. Additionally, representatives from the autism advocacy group “Spectrum Matters” are conducting specialized behavioral training on-site to ensure club staff are expertly equipped to serve and accommodate children facing unique sensory or structural challenges this summer.
To find out more about the event or view upcoming promotional videos, community members can visit codingtonconnects.com or bgcofwatertown.com.
