With temperatures nearing the triple-digit mark, for some, July 4 can’t get here quick enough. That’s because the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department’s third annual Wet Fest is set to help hundreds beat the summertime heat before heading off to watch fireworks later that night.
The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sedona Community Pool at 570 Posse Grounds Road.
“We are ready and looking forward to this year’s event,” Recreation Coordinator Ali Baxter said. “It’s shaping up to be the perfect family fun day.”
The free event will feature a live DJ, swimming, water slides, face painting and food for sale. New this year is a 40-foot high, 100-foot long Purple Monster water slide.
Wet Fest actually began in 2016 and was part of Park and Recreation’s laser light show but became a standalone event a year later.
Over the years, the city has tried a handful of different July 4 events such as the laser light show, since aerial fire-works are banned within the Sedona Fire District. Baxter said they now feel they have hit the mark when it comes to an Independence Day event.
“Wet Fest has quickly become a favorite signature event for the department,” she said. “We are always looking to keep our events fresh, fun and new, but the basics of having a free, family, water play, daytime event is here to stay.”
Over the years, the event has averaged 900 attendees; Baxter said that it is so popular because it gives families something to do during the middle of the day on July 4.
“Folks can spend their morning in Clarkdale at the breakfast and parade, come to Sedona to play during the day and spend the evening watching fireworks in Cottonwood or Camp Verde,” she said.
All non-swimmers must be accompanied by and adult in the pool. Park at West Sedona School.
Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com
