The Stewart C. Meyer Harker Heights Public Library and Harker Heights Parks and Recreation jointly sponsored a “Back to School Bash” on August 26 at Kern Park.
The crowd of about 100 people were entertained with bounce houses, free books, hula hoops, a giant checkerboard, a giant tug-of-war, face painting and music.
Tiki Island was the newest feature in the tall things category to make use of participants’ climbing skills. Both children and adults tried their luck to conquer the relatively fluffy beast.
Parks and Recreation introduced a new way of using bows and arrows called archery. Instead of the usual targets in the stands, special head protection equipment and soft-tipped arrows were provided for two people and the target was the other person.
The Stewart C. Meyer Harker Heights Public Library and the Friends of the Library provided a wide variety of books. With school now in session, literacy is a priority, said Erica Rossmiller, children’s librarian at Harker Heights Library.
“Everyone who stops by our table gets a free book,” Rossmiller said. “Today we focus on children’s books.”
The Friends of the Library were also handing out books with the help of volunteer Jalen Cooper.
Cooper said, “We give a book for every kid who comes to our table and checks out.”
Susan Baker of Copperas Cove tried the new version of archery. “This was fun and a great way to release frustration,” Baker said. He confronted his son, 8-year-old Zaelyn, in a brief session. Baker’s 4-year-old daughter Zamira was watching.
Marion White’s two daughters, Mya, 10, and Avana, 7, participated in a game of tug-of-war.
White said: “I think Mya might have won this one. They’ve been practicing on a dog leash at home.”
White, a Harker Heights resident, told the Herald she loved how the community was coming together for the “Bash” and having events like this outside of the school.
Climbing Tiki Island was the first priority for the daughters of Josh Bass of Belton. Joslyn, 7, and Zoe, 4, quickly headed over to begin their climb.
Bass said, “they love bounce houses, getting their faces painted and going crazy!”
