The perfect way to close out the school year

The school year is heading to a close. Yippee! That means more time to explore Baldwin Park and attend all the exciting activities planned all summer long!

Get the kids giggling by attending the first ever Belly Flop Contest right on New Broad Street! Yes, you read that correctly: A BELLY FLOP CONTEST ON NEW BROAD STREET! A giant pool will be set up right out front of Tactical Brewing and will feature a contest of all contests. Contestants can dress up however they please and try to take home the gold prize for best belly flop! This event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. May 6, and all are welcome.

Hopefully, the contest will get everyone in the swimming mood, because pool parties are back at your community pools starting the second week of June! Kona Ice will travel around the pools on select dates all summer long to hand out free shaved ice, thanks to the Baldwin Park Residential Home Owners Association. Check your weekly newsletter for more details!

May also will include the last Backyard Food Fare of the sum- mer. The heat and rain make these events a little tricky to plan during the summer months so they take a little break until September. Enjoy live music, local food vendors and time with your neighbors beginning at 5:30 p.m. May 26 at Corrine Commons.

There may be a little extra energy around your home once school is over, but luckily, there are plenty of physical activities that are perfect for all ages. Swim lessons take place at the community pools and are a great way for kids to expand their swimming safety. There is also the weekly walking group that meets at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday down by the lake. All are welcome to join on this easy, light walk around Lake Baldwin. You may turn back at any point and do not have to finish the full 2.5 miles. More information can be found on the Baldwin Park Network or in the weekly e-blasts.

Summer Tuesdays can only mean one thing around Baldwin Park — Taco Tuesdays! Treat yourself after another successful school year to some margaritas and tacos at Wildflower’s newly vamped Taco Tuesday night.

Wildflower also hosts a happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Find more information by searching “Wildflower Orlando” on social media.

Leu Gardens also is hosting its annual dinosaur exhibit through July 9! Stroll the botanical garden in search of all of the dinosaur sculptures installed across the grounds and learn all about them. This activity is great for all ages.

Celebrate the holiday’s and bring your friends and family into Baldwin Park! Memorial Day and Mother’s Day are both coming up quickly, so make your plans ahead of time and beat the crowds. Find the perfect gift at any of Baldwin’s local businesses such as Lafayette and Rushford, Paper Goat Post, Golden Hour Wine and Victoria Jewelers. You can never go wrong with a Baldwin Park celebration!

FRIDAY, MAY 5

CINCO DE MAYO

IN BALDWIN PARK