TOP BOATMAKERS — Winners of Brooke Hills Park’s Duck Boat Challenge, in which participants used household items in an effort to create a sturdy, “seaworthy” vessel, were, from left, Izzy Aftanas and Laney Charlton, first place; Grady Farris, second place; and Daniel Moore, third place. The contest was part of the park’s celebration on Friday of National Kids Day. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Brooke Hills Park’s annual celebration of National Kids Day again brought together many families on Friday for an evening of swimming, prizes and creativity.

Attendees were admitted free to the park’s splash zone and swimming pool, which was the center of many of the activities.

They included the Duck Boat Challenge, in which children and parents and other family members teamed up to create small boats with pool noodles, plastic bottles and other household materials.

Plastic ducks were piled onto each vessel to determine its “seaworthiness” in the pool.

The winner was created by cousins Laney Charlton and Izzy Aftanas, whose watercraft was able to hold 178 ducks.

Placing second and third in the contest were Grady Farris and Daniel Moore, respectively.

About 380 plastic ducks also were dumped into the pool and randomly plucked from the water to determine the winners of more than a dozen prizes, many of them donated by local businesses.

They included cash prizes of $150 and $100 and a family pool pass and a golf pass to the park for next year.

The event included free hot dogs and music by disc jockey G-Con.

Among the park’s many visitors was Aleasha Carr of East Liverpool, who was accompanied by her three children, Colsyn, Camdyn and Cassydi.

She said of the event, “This is really nice. We built our boats last night at home, and they’re having a really good time.”

Pam and Jeff Cox of Follansbee were among the visitors attending the event with their grandchildren.

“This is a nice time. It builds memories for them in their lives,” said Jeff.

Jack Carbasho, who assists Park Manager Janice McFadden, noted another family event is planned.

A free movie night, featuring “Moana 2,” will be held at dusk on Friday at the pool.

As many lifeguards return to school and related activities, the pool is expected to close after Aug. 10.

Until then, it’s set to be open from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

The park will be holding two other events in August: The End of the Summer Barbecue, for adults only, on Aug. 15 and a night golf scramble on Aug. 23.

The Riversmoke BBQ food truck will be providing food for the first event, which will include music by a disc jockey. It’s slated to be held at the pool if it doesn’t rain or at a park shelter if it does.

The cost is $25 per person and $40 per couple. Those interested in attending should register by Aug. 8 through the above website or in person at the park’s clubhouse.

The golf scramble is open to 18 two-player teams, who will set out on the park’s 18-hole golf course following a shotgun start at 6 p.m.

The cost is $65 per person, which includes dinner, with other details to be announced.

Teams for the event often are filled quickly, so those who enjoy night golfing are encouraged to register soon through the same channels.

Located at 140 Gist Lane, off state Route 27, the park includes a miniature golf course, playground, multiple shelters and Brooke Hills Playhouse, which will be presenting “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8 and 9 and 2 p.m. Sunday and Aug. 10.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and students and $10 for children. Reservations may be made by calling (304) 737-3344.

To raise funds, the park will be holding King of Clubs drawings each Tuesday night beginning this week.

Chances are sold for the drawings, with the winners determined through the selection of cards from a standard deck.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the drawings, which will occur at 8 p.m. at the park’s Bald Eagle Shelter.

Rules for the drawings can be found at the park’s website.