ARLINGTON — It was a festive July 4 at Haller Park, starting off with a pancake breakfast provided by the Arlington Firefighters Association and other charitable events.
A portion of the proceeds from the breakfast went to Oso mudslide support, and the rest was distributed to the support services throughout the city.
“For one, it’s been a tradition here for more than 25 years, so lots of families come,” president of the Firefighters Association Travis Marty said. “On average we bring in about $5,500 year.”
Other attendees participated in the silent auction held by the Kiwanis Club while waiting in line for breakfast.
“It’s a scholarly auction used to fund academic scholarships for Arlington and Lakewood High School,” Kiwanis president Crystal Knight said.
The festivities at Haller Park welcomed back some Arlington folks.
Arlington High School 1982 alumni Krysti Van Putten came back for the joy of being home. “I wanted to come back for the Fourth and visit my family,” she said. “It’s been great.”
Later in the morning, the Pedal, Paddle, Puff triathlon commenced.
“This year it’s a fundraiser with donations going to the Habitat of Humanity for those displaced by the Oso mudslide,” Organizer Devin Brossard said.
The race consisted of a 6-mile bike ride, 6-mile swim and a 2-mile run. The triathletes could compete in all three legs by themselves or be on a team.
For many, it was their first time.
“I hope we all have a good time, and it’s for such a good cause,” first-time participant Christina Carbajal said.
Lastly, the event included a dedication of the Haller kids park.
The youngsters gathered around to rip the tape, after long-time Arlington rotarian Dale Duskin gave a commemorative speech.
“The park has exceeded all of our expectations,” Duskin said. “It’s going to metamorphosize into other things.”
