Cassie Geer, 3-1/2, and 2-1/2-year-old Anna Schustereder face off with a water-sprinkling ball. Photo by Andrea Dahl
For children, one of the great joys of summer is running through sprinklers. Preface that with a story and fun songs, like the Hokey Pokey, and you have an old-fashioned country-style afternoon. Historic Vienna, Inc. partners with the Town of Vienna Department of Parks and Recreation every Wednesday to provide music and sprinkler-power on the Town Green.
More than 20 youngsters showed up at 1 p.m. for the kick-off behind Freeman House on June 27. Under expansive shade trees, "professional volunteer" Kathy Tugendhat - as the retired school teacher calls herself - led the preschoolers in song, accompanying herself on guitar. The children listened and danced and posed for photos.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m., sprinklers – from the ordinary to the kid-friendly – were turned on. The grass needs to be watered, anyway … why not turn it into a fun family activity?
Many of the children were returnees from last year. Some, like Cassie Geer, 3 1/2, loves the singing, but the sprinklers are her favorite, said her mom, Andrea Dahl. On opening day, Cassie brought her neighbors, the Lockard kids, with her. "In this weather, the sprinklers will be a nice relief," said Dahl.
Alison Lockard was happy her two children, Erinn, 5, and Jack, 4, were enjoying the day without their older siblings. "They love music," said Lockard. "The guitar is a plus."
Summer stories, song and sprinklers take over the Town Green on Wednesdays, June 27 through August 15, beginning at 1 p.m. Story and song at 1 p.m., followed by sprinkler-fest at 1:30 p.m.