Special Events Coordinator Dan Costley welcomed the residents and their guests to the Third Annual Geranium Festival held in Barnes Park on October 8th.

The Hula Hoop contest was the first event as the contestants tried to keep the hoop twisting around their waist to win the grand prize of candy.

The Musical Chairs contest is always a sight to see who could save their seat as the music stopped. The winner who saved their seat at the end of the beat won candy.

The Water Balloon contest was interesting as each of the partners tried to toss the balloon to their partner as they moved further and further away.  Since it was a hot day the contestants did not mind getting wet as their balloon broke.  The winners were awarded candy.

The Moon Bounce was an obstacle course challenged many young members of the community.  They spent countless hours having fun in the park.

Children of all ages enjoyed riding around the park in the train as they waved to their family and friends.  This was the highlight ride for the little ones.

Several guests to climb up and down the famous Rock Wall as people in the park stopped to see their progress.

The event featured 62 booths that exhibited artwork, crafts, games, information and more.

Junior firefighters liked carrying the ladders and the hoses. They enjoyed putting out the house on fire.  The firefighters also showed people how to perform sidewalk CPR and handed out safety information.

The Police Explorers provided safety information to the residents.

Children of all ages flocked to the Library booth to create and color Geranium bookmarks.

Jessica Ramos painted children’s faces or arms with the artwork of their choice. Jessica and her friend show off her “Hearts”.  Her parents said that this is their daughter’s third festival. They all enjoy this event.

Members of Shurr High School Engineering exhibited robots to the delight of guests.

Robots seem to be the best toy of the year.

Kids of all ages enjoyed the Three-Legged Race as they ran in sacks to the finish line.  The winners were awarded candy.

The Sack Race drew many of the same contestants as they races in a sack to the finish line. The winner was awarded candy.

The Home Depot booth had a crowd of young and adult builders making skateboards, picture frames and more.  The parents had as much fun as the kids.

The little ones received a Home Depot apron with their name printed on it.

Homer joined in the fun at the park.  His many friends posed with him for pictures.

Kathy Wills joined with her friends Emma, Lesem, Belen and Mimi to celebrate the festival.  Mrs. Wills won the Mrs. Geranium title in 2014.

Judges Annie Yaung, Chris Hubert and Brenn Conley were ready to judge the dog contests.

Each of the Under 40 pound dogs met the judges with their humans and walked around in front of the audience.  The dogs and their humans were cheered on as the judging took place. They also posed for a group picture.

Speck won First Place with a trophy and a $100 gift card; George Baily won Second Place with a trophy and a $50 gift card and Harry won Third Place with a trophy and a $25 gift card. They posed for a picture with their humans.

Larry Sullivan and Kathy Wills shared in the fun with Speck.

Armen Sebastian and Larry Sullivan enjoyed the event.

Each of the Over 40 pound dogs met the judges with their humans and walked around in front of the audience.  The dogs and their humans were cheered on as the judging took place. They also posed for a group picture.

Unity won First Place with a trophy and a $100 gift card; Dakota won Second Place with a trophy and a $50 gift card and Winter Moon won Third Place with a trophy and a $25 gift card. They posed for a picture with their humans.

Police Chief Jim Smith sat in the Dunk Tank. Members of the fire and police departments and the public enjoyed watching him get wet.

Assistance City Attorney Karl Berger sat in the Dunk Tank. Members of the fire and police departments and the public enjoyed watching him get wet.

The weather was very warm so everyone enjoyed this part of the program.

Cherry pie was the chosen pie for the Pie Eating Contest. This contest drew a large crowd. The contestants dressed with trash bags covering their clothes. They tried to finish up their pies in the allotted time.

Noah was the First Place winner along with a Second Place and Third Place winners.   They each received a Cherry pie as their trophy.

The Watermelon Eating Contest also drew a large crowd. They tried to finish up their watermelon slices in the allotted time.

Abbas was the First Place winner, Jose was the Second Place winner and Johnny was the Third Place winner. They each received whole watermelon for their trophy.

Abbas said he was the first place winner in this contest last year.

The Geranium Festival is a family event that is always enjoyed by the residents. It reminded some of the residents of the good old fashion county fairs of their childhoods.