INNISFAIL – It’s being billed as the town’s water war.
A fun one of course. It’s all happening during the afternoon of July 30 on a soon-to-be watery battlefield near the soccer fields just west of the Innisfail Aquatic Centre.
Inspired by the antics from the recent Netflix Jennifer Garner-led movie Yes Day, the free Innisfail Water Warz! event was put together by aquatic centre staff.
“It’s basically just a big water fight. That is literally what it is. In this water-only battlefield, combatants will dodge reusable water balls filled with colored water while hiding behind various paint-ball barriers,” said Ken Kowalchuk, the town’s communications coordinator. “Personal outdoor water toys are encouraged, so feel free to bring your own.
“We are trying something new, and we will see how it’s accepted by the public. It’s something we’ve never done before,” he added. It was featured in a film and the idea and seed was planted at that point. The aquatic centre staff thought this might be a good thing to offer to the public. The hope is that this will become and annual event.”
Kowalchuk said the afternoon water battling, which is being broken up into four time periods, will be preceded by the arrival of a trio of food trucks - Irish Ivy Kitchen, Grillz Weenie Wagon and Fox Hill Coffee Company – at 11:30 a.m. They will stay onsite until after 6 p.m. There will also be music at the event for the first two hours.
Kowalchuk said Water Warz!, which is designed for the entire family, will also include a tot area for smaller children.
“For younger children there will be water-based activities for them to participate in because the water fight aspect might be a little bit intense for them at that age,” he said.
Coloured water will be available for staining light-coloured clothing allowing participants to create an event keepsake. Participants must bring their own clothing for staining.
As well, BANANAGUM face painting will be on site from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to offer glitter tattooing and face painting. Kowalchuk said Enviro Containers is donating rain barrels for the event for water refilling.
Kowalchuk said the multiple hour-long time slots in the afternoon will allow safe play and fun for all ages. He added pre-registration is suggested but not required. The time slots are:
• family preregistration 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Code #14404
• teen preregistration 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Code #14405
• family preregistration 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Code #14406
• family preregistration 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Code #14407
Interested participants for Water Warz! are asked to visit https://bit.ly/3BmSYfu to register.
“It’s going to be an open event so if people are waiting for the next time slot to open up they can go and hang out at the Splash Park,” said Kowalchuk. “I’m sure the younger kids will be over there as well.”
