By Erin E. O'Neill
The Marietta Times
Organizers are hoping that rain won't put much of a damper on the final pool party of the year. But just in case, there is always plan B.
"We usually never have to use it but we do have plan B," said Cathy Harper, coordinator for the Right Path for Washington County, who added that she has been watching the forecast for Friday's end-of-summer bash.
The final block party event for the Right Path, sponsored by the United Way, will be held at the Marietta Aquatic Center, if the weather permits, from 6 to 11 p.m. There will be swimming from 6 to 8 p.m., with festivities moving into the parking lot after 8.
Fact Box
If you go
What: Right Path for Washington County end-of-summer block party.
Where: Marietta Aquatic Center.
When: Friday; 6 to 8 p.m. for pool party; 8 to 11 p.m. for block party in the parking lot.
Cost: $5; open to all ages.
Entertainment: Mobile Jams Entertainment and Time Well Wasted Inflatables.
For information: Cathy Harper, 374-6990, Ext. 13.
"There still is a small chance so, if it does rain, we will move over to the Junior Fair Building (at the Washington County Fairgrounds) and everything will remain, except we won't be swimming," Harper said.
Some of the events planned for the annual end-of-summer event include music, food and, of course, foam. Marietta-based Time Well Wasted will have inflatables and Mobile Jams Entertainment will provide the tunes and the six feet of white suds for a foam pit.
"I'm really pumped about the event and really excited about where the Right Path is going," said Justin Moody, 18, a 2012 Fort Frye graduate who is currently the only youth member of the board. "I've been involved in the Right Path for seven years and decided to join the board because I think it is a good idea to have the youth perspective...I am in love with Right Path, I think it is such a great organization."
Moody said he hopes other young people will consider becoming involved in the group in a greater capacity.
Andrew Carpenter of Marietta, who will turn 16 on Friday, said he is interested in joining the board to "have an influence" in what goes on with the group and to provide a voice for his peers. He has been very active with the Right Path.
"I have attended about every summer event for the past couple years," he said. "I have known Cathy for a long time and I look forward to seeing friends."
New for the event this year will be a flip-flop decorating contest where participants are encouraged to adorn their footwear to be judged at the pool party. Shoes are available by contacting Harper at 376-6990, Ext. 13. Awards will be presented in four categories: most original, most beautiful, best sports team and best sports team fan.
Harper said the events throughout the summer have been well-attended and the organization is gearing up for the school year.
"We do a lot with the schools to bring the drug prevention messages. We have a great SADD group at the (Marietta) high school and the Right Choice group at Belpre and we are hoping to start the Youth Involvement Group (YIGZ) up again this year," she said.
Moody said he is excited to try to bring back the youth involvement.
"That will be one of my projects," he said.
