Santa Maria Sun / Art

For the kids

BY SHELLY CONE

On a beautiful sunny day, it’s hard to beat a day in the park. It’s even better when there’s a celebration going on. That’s why hundreds of people headed to Waller Park on Aug. 19 for the YMCA’s Family Day in the Park marked by community, cars, and music.

Gone fishing: Children got to do a little fishing during the Huck Finn Fishin’ contest sponsored by the Sportsman’s Association. It’s one thing to reel in a fish but, as this guy discovered, it’s another to touch it! PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA

Hosted by the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary and the Santa Maria YMCA, the event is designed to bring families and community together for a day of free entertainment and education. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Waller Park, which to date have raised money and built more than $250,000 worth of improvements to the county park, said Cindy Most, membership services director at the Santa Maria YMCA.

This year’s event included food, prizes, games, and entertainment from Still Evolving and Zoo to You. Car enthusiasts were treated to a car show sponsored by Radford Kustoms. Visitors also got the chance to watch the doggie parade, participate in a watermelon-eating contest, and shop for arts and crafts. Children even got the chance to try their hand at fishing in the annual Huck Finn Fishin’ derby sponsored by the Sportsman’s Association.

Best in show: Car enthusiasts were treated to a car show sponsored by Radford Kustoms. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA

The free event was made possible by the support of sponsors like PG&E, Toyota of Santa Maria, the Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Santa Maria Valley Sportsman’s Association.

Anyone who missed out on this year’s Family Day can still take part in some of the YMCA’s other community events.

The YMCA will host two other fundraisers to close out the year. The first is the 33rd Anniversary Golf Tournament “Fun”raiser happening Sept. 24 at the Santa Maria Country Club. The tournament format is a four-person scramble and offers the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. A live auction will take place at the event to help raise money for the YMCA.

About family: Hundreds of families attended the YMCA Family Day in the Park for fun, prizes, and entertainment. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA

The second event happens on Oct. 20. The Tour & Taste of the Valley, Annual Ride for Youth benefits both the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Maria Valley. This year the ride is in memory of Jim Hamlin.

The event features four bike courses: a 10-mile, 25-mile, 50-mile, and 62-mile bike ride. Following the bike, participants can taste food and drink from local vendors. Wineries and restaurants like Cottonwood Winery, Testa Catering, Rooney’s Irish Pub, and Trattoria Uliveto will participate. For more information about the YMCA’s upcoming events, call 937-8521.

Arts Editor Shelly Cone is getting her bike ready. She can be contacted at scone@santamariasun.com.