The Rotary Club of Longview hosted Sandy B McNut and an estimated 2,500 squirrely visitors in Longview’s RA Long Civic Circle Park on Saturday, August 21.
This was the 10th annual, day-long Squirrel Fest civic celebration and the fourth year that Rotarians have been tasked with the planning and coordination of the free-to-all community event. [The 2020 event had to be canceled due to Covid-19 and this year’s attendance was again negatively impacted by on-going pandemic concerns].
Following a kid’s parade of bikes, tricycles, scooters and skateboards, led by Sandy in an open-air convertible, stage shows featuring jugglers, magicians, puppets, musicians and comical acts entertained kids and their parents from 11am until 5pm.
Guided tours of the city’s eight (8) squirrel bridges on a 1996 vintage Army Troop Carrier were extremely popular to nearly 90 visitors – most from out-of-the-area.
Well over 75 vendors provided attendees with many food options, all kinds of merchandise and information throughout the day while cornhole tournament and beer garden offered an interesting and thirst-quenching option in another area of the beautiful and historical five-acre park in central Longview.
The Longview Club’s Literacy Committee distributed nearly 900 free books to kids of all ages and answered questions about our reading initiatives and Rotary in general.
Also featured was a ShelterBox USA tent display which attracted many curious and interested visitors.
Our on-site, First Aid station offered and administered several free Covid-19 vaccinations.
A 40’ wide by 22’ high BIG screen outdoor movie concluded the day at dusk. Many families gathered under a clear, moonlit sky to watch Ice Age.
