Abington Journal

Fun for all ages at Kids Night at Hillside Park in Clarks Summit

CLARKS SUMMIT — Brooke Benson, a substitute teacher and an employee of Hillside Park, provided more fun for kids for the evening of July 18 during the ongoing summer concert series at Hillside Park. For Hillside Park Kids Night, people not only got to see a concert at the pavilion but their kids played fun activities such as a bounce house, face-painting, and a dunk tank.

“I am a substitute in the area and I really enjoyed working with kids so it inspired me to create a Kids Night at the park,” Benson said. “I thought about what kids love to do and the first thing that came to my mind was a bounce house, dunk tank and face paint. The event was a success and I couldn’t be happier.”

One of the schools Benson substitutes at is the Abington Heights School District, where she is also a junior varsity cheerleading coach. Cheerleaders Elyse Rehder and Joelene Morais were stationed at the bounce house. Benson’s friend Kate Crowley, an art teacher at St. Paul’s Catholic High School, painted the faces of kids who came to the event.

“It’s a great community event,” said Lauren Mahler, whose 3-year-old granddaughter Cadence Mahler, of Clarks Summit, got her face painted by Crowley.

“I have fun,” added 4-year-old Misha Naritato, of Clarks Summit. “The dunk tank is my favorite.”

Naritato attempted to splash down Jordan McCloe, of West Scranton, who volunteered to become a target. Also willing to get himself all wet for the kids was Jim Sagona, of Clarks Summit.

It’s great,” said Sagona. “A lot of families are here. It’s got music for all generations.”

Music was provided by local band Wannabees and people flocked inside and on the side of the hill to watch and listen while others danced in the pavilion. Wannabees also got some couples to slow dance as soft rock was played.

Members of the Abington Lions Club cooked burgers and hot dogs on the grill for the event. Citizens Savings Bank, the event’s main sponsor, gave free bubbles to kids as well as pens, credit card holders, sunglasses and bag clips.

“The bank loves to sponsor events like this,” said Lisa Bonacci, vice president of human resources and marketing at the bank. “It’s our home and that’s what we do.”

The Wannabees perform in the pavilion during Kids Night at Hillside Park.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_KidsNight1-1.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Wannabees perform in the pavilion during Kids Night at Hillside Park. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
A large audience watches and listens to the Wannabes.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_KidsNight2-1.jpg.optimal.jpgA large audience watches and listens to the Wannabes. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Cadence Mahler, 3, of Clarks Summit, has cat whiskers and a bow painted on her face by Kate Crowley, left, an art teacher of St. Paul’s Catholic High School.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_KidsNight3-1.jpg.optimal.jpgCadence Mahler, 3, of Clarks Summit, has cat whiskers and a bow painted on her face by Kate Crowley, left, an art teacher of St. Paul’s Catholic High School. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
MIsha Naritato, 4, of Clarks Summit, attempts to splash down Jordan McCloe, of West Scranton, in the dunk tank.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_KidsNight4-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMIsha Naritato, 4, of Clarks Summit, attempts to splash down Jordan McCloe, of West Scranton, in the dunk tank. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
From left, Jean, her daughter Serenity, 6, and Jean’s brother Joshua Robacker with boxer Savannah sit in the middle of the hill.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_KidsNight5-1.jpg.optimal.jpgFrom left, Jean, her daughter Serenity, 6, and Jean’s brother Joshua Robacker with boxer Savannah sit in the middle of the hill. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
A large turnout at Kids Night at Hillside Park.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_KidsNight6-1.jpg.optimal.jpgA large turnout at Kids Night at Hillside Park. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
People dance in the pavilion to music performed by the Wannabes.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_KidsNight7-1.jpg.optimal.jpgPeople dance in the pavilion to music performed by the Wannabes. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Children and their parents row boats on Eston Wilson Lake during Kids Night.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_KidsNight8-1.jpg.optimal.jpgChildren and their parents row boats on Eston Wilson Lake during Kids Night. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

By Ben Freda

For Abington Journal

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