Elemental Event
Area children cool off at WaterfestBy KERRY McAVOY, The Leader-Herald
Article Photos
Children from across Fulton County had the chance to get up close and personal with water at the Adirondack Waterfest, which took place along the Cayadutta Creek on Friday in both Glove Cities.
The activities were divided between Trail Station Park in Gloversville and Fairgrounds Park in Johnstown.
More than 100 people attended, and with temperatures nearing 90 and the sun in full force, many took the opportunity to enjoy the water.
In Johnstown, Twin River Council Boy Scout Troop 112's Andrew Piazza, Jordan Preston, Zack Simone and Brandon Lincourt all enjoyed the water, courtesy of a sprinkler.
"It's been a pretty good day, but we are just dying hot," Preston said.
"We've been having fun," Piazza said. "We're glad we got the hose working."
Adirondack Waterfest is conducted annually in a seven-county region of the Adirondack Resource & Conservation District. Fulton County was selected for 2008.
"We hosted a successful Adirondack Waterfest in 2002 in Caroga Lake which had approximately 1,000 attendees, and we are pleased to host it in Gloversville and Johnstown this year," Alison Swartz, the Fulton County chamber's tourism director, said in a news release announcing the event.
Two Fulton County Sheriff's Department dogs were on hand for K-9 demonstrations, and trained falcons and owls made an appearance with their handlers. The biggest hit seemed to be the Big Kahuna - an inflatable waterslide that had lines of up to 30 children and teens waiting to take their turns.
The "bouncy castle" also proved to be a big hit with screaming and giggling children clamoring to get inside and jump to their hearts'
content. Native American displays, face painting, music, magic and an actor dressed as a giant raindrop all kept the kids entertained for the day.
State Sen. Hugh Farley's Office, Reality Check, North County Ecological Services, Fulton County Public Health, Army Corps of Engineers, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Fulton County Department of Waste all set up tables to give visitors information on water related and health issues.
A walkie-talkie demonstration in Johnstown allowed kids to talk to people as far away as Washington County.
As the children played, parents and grandparents cooked hot dogs and relaxed under the shade of a tree. Piazza's group was selling hot dogs and bottles of water at the Johnstown location, which drew a smaller crowd than the Gloversville site.
Andy Piazza said people were stopping by most of the day to enjoy a hot dog and the nice weather.
He said the city Public Works Department allowed them to turn the water on for the sprinkler, and police checked in with the group during the day.
Kerry McAvoy can be reached at montco@leaderherald.com.
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girleah
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07-20-08 7:34 AM
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This is a beautiful picture of s happy child. It's refreshing to see and read about about something good here in Gloversville. Our children are the future of this city, they need more community events like this.
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ChanceOfSun
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07-19-08 9:52 PM
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Remove that stupid comment. If that poster had any idea how much Bill Trojan makes a difference to kids lives. If it weren't for the positive coverage that Bill gives to our youth, all we'd read about is doom and gloom. Keep up the great work that you do every day Bill.
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coachmike
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07-19-08 9:14 PM
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Bill... This is where rumors form, from people with sick deformed minds, ones who can think of nothing except dirty thoughts. It is sick when people have nothing to do in there lives then invent trouble for there own pleasure.
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1christian
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07-19-08 5:30 PM
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This is a great picture of a child actually being able to "be a child" and enjoy life! I would much rather see pictures of this type than to read disgusting articles about another child who has been molested and has its youth taken away. To Bill Trojan - keep up the good work.
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Iwonder
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07-19-08 3:12 PM
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Come on poster Bill. You are way off base on this comment. The photo is of a child going down a slide at a kid's event. YOU are the one who has made something sleazy out of it. It is a good photo for a nice event that was hed.
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teebzz
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07-19-08 2:53 PM
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bill, a little young for what sliding down a waterslide? this us a great "fun" pic
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