When temperatures are on the rise, nothing beats the heat on a hot summer day like a dive into a refreshing pool. Thorp Aquatic Center hosted a free Fun Day at the Pool on Aug. 24 to celebrate the 2023 season. As heat advisories were issued this past week, the cool water was the perfect, and 250 patrons came, from as far as Hayward, to attend the one-day free event, which included all day free admission, games and and 100 free hot dogs and chips while they lasted.  Smiles lined every face as swimmers raced for prizes in water games, played Connect Four, Jenga, or bean bags poolside, or took a break to enjoy a delicious hot dog or treat from the concession stand. The Fun Day event was generously sponsored by Love Like Big Mike, Thorp SuperValu, Kwik Trip, McDonald’s and the City of Thorp.  

Jacob Barth, manager of the Thorp Aquatic Center, shared why it was important to offer the Fun Day to the community.  

“The purpose was to try to get different people that don’t normally go swimming here, to go swimming here. We are trying to get everyone in the community to use this amazing facility.” The feedback he received was that “we should do this more often,” and he readily agreed. Barth added, “Overall, everyone seemed to be having so much fun, it went very well in my opinion. I feel as if it was a major success.” 

Barth also commented on the success of this year’s swimming season, “This season has gone well. We had a bunch of people come this season, new and old returning, staff that returned, and new staff alike. In all, to wrap up my fifth year there, I think it went great.”