The Last Splash of Summer — an annual event to bring all the kids together to give them one last hurrah before school starts — is set to return on Saturday, Aug. 15.

“Now more than ever our kids need this type of activity to get out and burn off some unspent energy and just have a good time,” said Doug Montgomery, who’s organized the Powell event for the past three years. “Parents need it as well.”

The event brings area families and children together to have some fun by turning the Park County Fairgrounds into a mini water park with age-bracketed water balloon fights, sprinklers, a slip-n-slide, food trucks and more. It’s set to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donations of $1 per person are requested, with four different local youth groups collecting (and receiving 100% of) those donations. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Montgomery thought he didn’t have much time to put together the Last Splash of Summer in 2019, but this year, he’s had only 28 days from the time he got the green light until the big day.

“There’s a ton to do to get this thing put together,” he said last week. “And trying to get insurance this year … WOW!”

Montgomery is currently seeking funds to help pay for that liability insurance, estimated to cost around $1,500. Donations can be submitted online through www.powellkidsday.org and are “greatly appreciated,” he said.

COVID-19 has complicated things, with the insurer requiring guidelines for each activity. Those guidelines will include efforts to keep people in groups of six or fewer, 6 feet apart.

“We’ll be doing whatever necessary to protect everyone participating, by allowing people to take responsibility for themselves when it comes to their concerns about COVID-19 and masks,” Montgomery wrote on the Powell Kids Day site. “I personally don’t want kids running around with masks on, but that’s a parent’s responsibility and choice to make.”

He added that he wants everyone “to come participate and feel safe on their own terms.”

The event is sponsored by local businesses and private individuals who come together voluntarily to put it together.

“The last couple of years I’ve had time to talk it up and meet with people to collect donations. Not this year,” Montgomery said. “With a business to run as well and such a short period of time, it’s a rat race.”

Still, many pieces of the event are already in place: the balloons have been purchased, the Powell Volunteer Fire Department and Powell Valley Healthcare EMTs are set to assist.

Ohana Shaved Ice and WYO Fountain will also be on hand to serve up shaved ice, ice cold summer specialty drinks, nachos and more, while Skyline Cafe will offer burgers and dogs. A total of 10% of all food sales will be donated back to the youth groups.

If you’re interested in volunteering with the event, visit the website or call 307-254-5056.