By Mitchell Banks
The Seymour Parks and Recreation Department held its annual End of Summer Escape on Friday at Shields Park.
Local youth were able to have some last-minute summer fun before school starts. Activities available included bounce houses, an inflatable slide, a rock climbing wall provided by the National Guard and an inflatable obstacle course.
Free afternoon admission to Shields Park Pool was available, and a drawing was held for backpacks filled with school supplies.
Fifth-grader Anolah Cole climbed to the top of the rock wall and said it was her favorite thing she did at the event.
She said she would be willing to climb the wall again.
“I’m not that much afraid of heights, but a little bit,” she said.
Bennett Kratoska, 8, said he had a good time at the park, and his favorite thing was completing the inflatable obstacle course.
Fraternal Order of Police Donald M. Winn Lodge 108 grilled hot dogs and gave away snow cones during the event.
FOP President C.J. Foster said the lodge has been providing food for the event for around six years.
He said the FOP loves giving back to the community.
“I just like giving back and building that bond and trust with the kids,” Foster said.
Because the FOP is getting a new trailer, Foster said they will be able to give out more food, such as popcorn and nachos, at next year’s event.