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By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff
On Saturday, September 21, residents of Westwood met up to celebrate their wonderful town. There was no shortage of fun with so much to do, including a road race, a shopping area, and activities for all to enjoy.
“You guys going to run fast today?” one mom asked her child as they approached the starting line for the one-mile Fun Run. The kids were off, some moving much faster than anyone expected.
“I don’t think we’ll see another runner for ten minutes,” observed the announcer. Just six minutes later, a runner approached the finish line, with supportive cheers from the crowd lining the way.
Participants walked straight to the fair at the conclusion of the 5K and Fun Run, ready for a day of celebration. There was something for everyone to enjoy with so many booths and activities present. Many kids lined up for free cotton candy, while parents visited the local merchant booths to buy a plethora of different products.
Music-lovers flocked to listen to some of the different tunes. The fest began with The Shoop Shoops lighting up the stage with their electric personality. As they sang “Walking in the Rain,” the two singers of the band slipped on some rain bonnets, making their audience chuckle.
Located in its own area was a collection of seven bounce houses, seemingly set up to entertain people of all different ages. One shaped like a caterpillar housed some first-time bouncers, while two obstacle course bounce houses attracted some of the older kids. The Wrecking Ball was for the more adventurous participants.
Touch a Truck was extremely popular amongst the younger crowd. Kids had their choice to explore a police car, ambulance, fire truck, two yellow construction trucks, and a dump truck. Dean Garfield, 2, enjoyed Westwood Day alongside his mom. “We moved here about a year ago, and it’s a nice way to bring the community together,” said mom Kara. Though he had no comment at the time, Dean’s favorite part seemed to be exploring the different trucks.
Among the most popular events were those presented by law enforcement. “I really want to see the fire demonstration,” said one Westwood resident. The police also demonstrated some of the skills of their different K9 teams. Duke, a five-year-old German shepherd, was ready to go to work the moment he emerged from the police car. His officer walked up to a member of the audience to ask if he had some keys. The second they were in his hand, the officer tossed them into the field for Duke to find. Duke found them in only a few minutes after searching the baseball field.
Lisa and Terry, who were visiting after moving out of town, also enjoyed their Westwood Day. But both differed when it came to their favorite parts. “The canine show,” said Lisa, referencing the police demonstrations.
“I like seeing people have fun,” said Terry, to which Lisa agreed.
For many, Westwood Day is simply an excuse to spend time with friends, family and community. For others, it is a day to try something new, whether it be a new type of bounce house or seeing a dog work in ways they’ve never seen before.
One thing is certain: Westwood Day was nothing but fun for everyone this year.
