Waterslide, Dunk Tank Main Attractions At Noel's First Friday

Youngsters and adults alike will have the opportunity to cool off and have fun at the Noel First Friday on July 6.

A free waterslide will be available once again for youngsters. Others can participate in a dunk tank, a new feature on Friday. State representative candidate Dirk Deaton and Noel Marshal Paul Gardner are two of the volunteers who will sit in the dunk tank, said Noel council member Ally Peck, who is helping out with the First Fridays.

The Association will charge a $1 per try or six tries for $5. All proceeds will go to help fund the next First Friday.

Businesses are also encouraged to nominate someone to participate in the dunking booth.

"We would love people to come and promote their business and get dunked," Peck added.

The event, hosted by the Noel Betterment Association, is the second such event planned for the summer. All the fun gets started at 6 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Noel.

Though the event is organized by the association, other entities are lending a hand to make the First Fridays run smoothly.

The city of Noel aids in the effort by waiving the vendor fees, setting up trash cans and disposing of trash, Peck said.

The Noel Fire Department helps set up the event and provides a power station so the vendors have access to electricity, she said.

The Noel Betterment Association launched the first event in June as a way to bring the community together.

Now, organizers are determined to continue building on the success. Peck said louder speakers are needed, and organizers may rearrange the layout of the vendors and the band.

Event organizers also are committed to raising the bar for each First Friday.

"We will be adding something new to every event," Peck said. "The dunk tank and split-the-pot raffle are the additions this month."

Next year, organizers will relaunch a homemade boat race.

On Friday, those who attend the July 6 First Friday can enjoy Barkin' Pig BBQ barbecue, shop at various vendor booths, send their children down a free waterslide and take in some live music by the B Side Boys Band.

For information, contact the Noel Betterment Association at 417-435-3195.

General News on 07/05/2018