With 20,000 water balloons, it’s promoted as the largest water balloon fight of the summer.

That’s a proud reputation by sponsors of the fifth annual Last Splash of Summer, scheduled for the Park County fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 13.

The water balloon merriment (water  fights) is age-bracketed, said Doug Montgomery, for the safety of the youngest.  Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Kids are invited to the fairgrounds for a daylong wet-down from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Thirty-two hoses off the fire hydrant, sponsored by the city, provide water for sprinklers, kiddie pools, a slip-n-slide and outdoor games that turn the fairgrounds into a mini water park.

Two community projects benefit from the water fun.  They are Backpack Blessings, which provides weekend “care packages” in the form of food and snacks to elementary school children, and “OurKids,” an organization overseen by Brandon Douglas of Powell as support for families with special needs.

Cost of the event is a donation of $1 or more to either benefit program. There will also be hot dogs on the grill, beverages and chips for sale, with all proceeds going to the benefit groups. 

“This event is 100% community-driven and needs your help,” said Montgomery. “If you would like to help during set-up and manning stations at the event, please arrive at 8 a.m. We depend on volunteers to make the event happen.”