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Ag Days
A parade, pool party and pianos are featured
LAUREL — Laurel Ag Days provided fun for the whole family last weekend.
The annual pool party and ping pong release once again made a big splash with area youngsters. The June 12 event marked the start of Laurel Ag Days and offered free admission to families.
“We put it on every year, it’s just a fun way for the kids to come and swim and all hang out,” said assistant pool manager and lifeguard Kate Tasler.
This year, the ping pong ball drop had slight alterations, including fewer balls and a return system for balls not associated with local businesses.
“We just changed it this year because last year we had a lot, and I don’t think all of them were getting used,” said Tasler.
She estimated that local businesses sponsored 150 balls that could be used toward their businesses when turned in. The sponsored balls were of various colors, while the white balls could be turned into the pool for small prizes. Tasler was unsure how many regular balls were in the mix, but a medium-sized plastic tote was full by the end of the party.
“It’s fun to see how aggressive some of the kids can get for the games,” said assistant manager and lifeguard Laney Folkers. “With the ping pong balls, they get pretty aggressive trying to get as many ping pong balls as they can, and it is fun to see.”
This was Tasler’s second and Folkers third year working the party, and they said they made some changes to the schedule, anticipating a large turnout.
“Most times we only have four guards here, but tonight we are having six,” said Tasler. “It gets packed, there are just kids everywhere.”
Tasler said they expected nearly twice as many attendees at the pool party compared to a typical day.
“It’s a big turnout. It’s fun to see them all here together, at the same time,” said Folkers.
Family and friends started the day off Saturday by setting up along Laurel’s Main Street to watch the annual parade.
A popcorn and lemonade stand set up shop outside of Creative D.Zynes along the parade route. People of all ages went up to grab a snack before the parade started at 10:30 a.m.
The parade itself featured local businesses, organizations, city employees, alumni and a lineup of tractors and cars that rumbled through town.
Once everyone had gathered their candy and treats, families headed to the Laurel City Park for the tractor pull, food trucks and the sand volleyball tournament.
