Chandler cools down with Summer Splash Festival

Kids sleeping past noon and starting to recoil from sunlight like burrowing moles? Getting heat-averse youngsters up and at ’em isn’t such a tall order when you’ve got water — lots and lots of cool, refreshing water — on your side.

That’s just what Chandler offers on Saturday, July 19, at its downtown Summer Splash Festival.

“We will get lots of families looking for fun things to do with their kids, and you can’t beat a water-oriented event,” says Eileen Brill Wagner with the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, the nonprofit group conducting the festival.

“There will be dunk tanks, water slides, a misting station and truck with a video arcade inside, as well as a disc jockey playing tunes,” Wagner says. In addition, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools will give free 10-minute swim lessons to children.

The event is a first for Chandler. Wagner thinks July’s hot weather should spur a good inaugural turnout.

Admission to the event and all water activities are free, but food and other items will be available for sale.

Parking is also free; it’s available in parking garages on Buffalo Street east of Arizona Avenue and in a lot south of Boston Street and west of Arizona Avenue.

Summer Splash Festival

What: Cool off with a family-friendly water event.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 19

Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler

Cost: Free admission, but bring cash for food and nonwater activities and items.

Information: (480) 855-3539 or www.downtownchandler.org