Hundreds turned out for the 12th Annual Family Day celebration at Simsbury Farms on Tuesday.
The annual event was initiated twelve years ago by the state Department of Education. Towns across Connecticut were encouraged to sponsor an event for families to kick back and have some fun.
The town of Simsbury Department of Social Services and the Parks and Recreation Department have kept the tradition alive every year since.
"What we wanted to do is offer a free event where families can spend some quality time together," Simsbury Social Services Director Mickey Lecours-Beck said.
Lecours-Beck said the town decided to hold its Family Day event in July in order for residents to take advantage of the swimming pools at Simsbury Farms. Most towns wait until September to hold the event.
The pools and ice rink pavilion at Simsbury Farms were alive with activity as families swam, danced, played games, and enjoyed $2 meals of pizza and watermelon.
"It's a great turnout," Lecours-Beck said. "It could have gone either way with the heat."
