While Clint Stewart’s idea for a water balloon battle between kids and public safety personnel was met with a few groans in its first year, this year, the veteran water balloon battlers were eagerly anticipating a second round.
Stewart brought the idea for the special day highlighting public safety services like EMTs, firefighters, conservation officers, and police from a previous police department. With the help of a core group of volunteers, the event returned for it’s second year Wednesday evening.
The special day seemed to be a hit with kids and adults as hundreds toured through the equipment on display, watched demonstrations involving K9s tackling and tracking, firefighters peeling open cars and blowing up airbags, climbing into a helicopter, firetruck, Humvee and enjoyed some free burgers and drinks next to Uebelhor Toyota in Jasper.
Here are a few photos of this year’s event.
Spectators watched as Jasper Officer Clint Stewart and his bloodhound Makya tracked down a volunteer during a demonstration of Makya’s abilities Wednesday evening. Photo by Amy Crane.
Aiden Freeze, 9, of Jasper, took aim at a paper target with an airsoft rifle at one of the activities Wednesday evening. Photo by Matthew Crane.
Khalia Robling (right), 6, and Kamilla Robling, 4, posed for a photo inside an Indiana National Guard Humvee. Photo by Matthew Crane.
Wyatt Stewart, 9, reacted as he was allowed to start the engine powering the propellor on an airboat used by Conservation Officers for shallow water operations. Photo by Matthew Crane.
Dubois County Deputy Clint Gogel and his K9, Chance, tackled Jasper Officer Jhazz Bieker during a demonstration Wednesday evening. Photo by Amy Crane.
Marshall Hubbuch, 3, reacted as the Life Flight Helicopter landed in the field Wednesday evening. Photo by Matthew Crane.
A crowd headed over to the helicopter when the all-clear was given. Photo by Amy Crane.
Waylon Burton, 3, strapped himself into the seat harness in the helicopter Wednesday evening.Photo by Amy Crane.
Jasper firefighters Kyle Kieser (left) and Lt. Leighton Hochgesang peeled the top off a car as they demonstrated the jaws of life for a crowd Wednesday evening. Photo by Matthew Crane.
The fire department demonstrated detonating an airbag from a car on Wednesday evening. Photo by Amy Crane.
Deputy Jesus Monarrez huddled with the participating children as they prepared for the massive water balloon fight Wednesday evening. Photo by Amy Crane.
Kids and public safety personnel were supposed to face off against each other, but the water balloon melee became a free-for-all all with a few high-profile targets. Photo by Amy Crane.
Officers Jhazz Bieker and Dave Burger decided to up the water coverage with one of the large containers used to bring the water balloons into the field. Photo by Amy Crane.
Indiana State Police Sgt. John Davis reacted after being soaked with a few balloons. Photo by Matthew Crane.
Avery Greener, 1, found a new friend in Henry Pfau, 11 months, as the event closed out to some music provided by WBDC. Photo by Amy Crane.
