Food, fun, family and lots and lots of foam.
That's the best way to describe the annual block party event hosted each year by The Right Path for Washington County. This year, photos can also be added to that list, according to Cathy Harper, director of The Right Path.
"Every year we try to mix it up and have something new. This year we're partnering with Andi Roberts and Roberts Family Photography in Belpre to bring their Silly Box photo booth to the event," Harper said.
"When we mentioned that we would have this, the kids just squealed. It's going to be a lot of fun and hopefully the beginning of a new partnership," she said.
The photo booth comes complete with props and costumes and allows those posing for photos to view their photos on the Roberts Family Photography Facebook page within a couple days time.
"The set-up allows users to control when they take the picture," explained Andi Roberts. "It usually unleashes a case of the sillies."
Fact Box
If you go
- What: 7th annual Right Path block party.
- Where: The Marietta Aquatic Center.
- When: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday.
- Details: Inflatables, food, live disc jockey, swimming.
- Cost: $5 per person, all ages welcome. Permission slips are available at the aquatic center.
- For information: 374-6990 or search for Right Path for Washington County on Facebook.
Other activities include music from Mobile Jams Entertainment, inflatables from Time Well Wasted, swimming at the Marietta Aquatic Center and pizza from Little Caesar's.
"All of our media partners and support from the community are really what keep us going," Harper said, adding that the City of Marietta has been instrumental in making the event go off without a hitch and remain safe.
"There are a lot of little details and each year is a learning process," she said. "But fun and safety is what we always try to promise."
Devin Lindsey, 16, of Marietta, has been attending Right Path events for as long as he can remember. He plans to attend the block party on Friday.
"I'm looking forward to having fun and hanging out with my friends - and the foam pit," he said.
Lindsey's brothers, Jamie and Travis, have also been involved in Right Path events, making it a real family affair.
"It helps kids stay out of trouble and gives us something to do," he said.
People of all ages are welcome to attend the event and parents are definitely encouraged, according to Harper.
"We realize it's really difficult to have that family time but it really is important for kids to connect with the adults in their life. Kids are pulled in so many directions, we forget sometimes that they just want to have fun," she said.
