SAUGUS — The Youth and Recreation Department and Fire Department misted residents with the hose of a fire truck to help them cool off and beat the heat at the Belmonte STEAM Academy.
Youth and Recreation Director Crystal Cakounes said that the Fire Department often works through firefighters Bill Cross and Anthony Arone to organize similar activities for children in town who attend summer camp.
“It’s something that we’ve always done in the summer, the fire truck will always come down and spray down the kids,” Cakounes said.
Cakounes said that because it has been so hot, it is important for people to have a place to be able to get some relief from the scorching weather.
“It can be dangerous for some people,” Cakounes said. “They don’t have air conditioning or anywhere to go cool.”
She said that given the recent weather, it made sense to open the event up to the entire community.
“It’s just been so hot this week… Why not open it late at night so that everyone can come? Why not let everyone in the community come down?” she said. “When the breeze hits you, and a little bit of mist will hit you, it really does just… refresh you.”
Firefighters Bobby Roberto and Matt Massone were at the Belmonte to operate the hose.
Cakounes said that the departments held a similar event last year, and that it was very successful.
“Parents… were having so much fun, and it’s been super hot, so let’s do it again,” Cakounes said.
The event is more than just a way for everyone to cool off, as Cakounes said it is also a great way for kids to come and get together with their friends from school, who they may not have seen since the end of the school year.
“I just love it when the community gets together… It makes me happy, this is something positive,” Cakounes said.
The Police Department also provided the Youth and Recreation Department with coupon cards for attendees for one hour of free video play at In The Game, an arcade in Peabody.
Cakounes said that this was the first event of its kind open for the community this year, but she hopes they will be able to hold more during the warmer months.
