Spring Celebration

Rain or shine, nothing will stop the good times at Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation’s 2012 Spring Fling.

The fifth annual Spring Fling, an amalgamation of UA’s smaller spring events, is slated for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 19 at Sunny 95 Park, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln.

A host of new attractions is sure to draw a crowd this year, says Cheryl Hyatt, Parks & Recreation program assistant.

A Ohio State Highway Patrol Helicopter will put this year’s Touch A Truck over the top. Last year, there was a helicopter at the event, but this year, kids will be able to sit inside to get their pictures taken. Other vehicles included this year are a bulldozer, backhoe, fire engine, police car, mower, gator and a Columbus Bomb Squad truck.

“The kids can get in and sit on the equipment,” Hyatt says.

Also new this year will be a demonstration by Irish dancers from The Academy, who just returned from the World Championships in Scotland, and Games2U is bringing some fun toys -- including water balloon launchers and giant “hamster

City’s Spring Fling event draws all ages

balls.”

The Parks & Recreation department is taking the opportunity to show off some of its summer camp offerings, including pony riding from Liberty Farm and an obstacle course from Jump Bunch.

Perennial favorites include the Turtle Lady’s friendly turtles and reptiles, face painting, arts and crafts, a fishing derby, and a community bike ride to kick off the event.

SCHEDULE:

Community Bike Ride, 10-11 a.m.

Arts and crafts, balloon sculpting, inflatables, Touch A Truck, Turtle Lady, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Shazzbots, interactive children’s entertainment, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

The Academy Irish Dance, 1-1:30 p.m.

“It’s really fun. You have everything from Grandma and Grandpa to moms and dads, and we had quite a few older kids doing the fishing derby last year, so it spans the ages,” Hyatt says.

Spring Fling drew a crowd of around 2,500 last year, and Hyatt expects it to be even larger this year.

For more information, call the UA Parks & Recreation department at 614-583-5300. In case of severe weather, call the weather hotline at 614-583-5345.