The city's first Ice Cream Splash on Friday drew more than 1,300 people and raised more than $10,000 for a future splash park in Jefferson City.
The family-friendly event, hosted by the Jefferson City Cultural Arts Foundation, was held in downtown Jefferson City. Held in a single block on High Street across from the Capitol, the event gave people the opportunity to taste-test 27 kinds of ice cream, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in unique arts and crafts.
Organizers hope to make it an annual event. Even they were surprised by the turnout, which was boosted in part by a strong Facebook campaign. They ran out of wristbands, and had to come up with a secondary way of noting paid entrants.
A splash park is a free recreation area, in a public spot, for water play that has little or no standing water. This attraction will provide another venue for free outdoor entertainment to the Jefferson City and surrounding area community.
"We are so thankful for all of our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, B&G Events, members of the planning committee, and those that attended," said Natalie Newville, marketing chair for the event. "We could not have had the success we did without all of their support and hard work. We are now closer to making the splash park a reality in Jefferson City."
A donation campaign will begin soon for those unable to attend, but would still like to support the splash park. Details will be released online at facebook.com/IceCreamSplash.
The Cultural Arts Foundation was created in 2013 and supports the efforts of The Jefferson City Cultural Arts Commission in bringing cultural activities for all to the Jefferson City Community.