Get Out and Play Day celebrates ten years of fun in Eureka

Play was the “Word of the Day” with the sun shining bright in the sky.

Get Out and Play Day has been a staple of the summer season in Eureka for ten years.

“It actually, first started out as a softball tournament that we wanted to expand into. Basically, make it a day for everyone to come out of their house, get off the couch and enjoy the wonderful weather there in Eureka, California,” City of Eureka community services coordinator Stephen Titus said”

This year, the entire city came together to bring that concept out into the world.

Sequoia Park welcomed residents to go fishing, play among the bubbles, and be one with their residents.

A free Zumba session led by local favorite Michelle Whitely had people grooving in the park. The Sequoia Park Zoo welcomed kids 12 and under for free to explore the zoo and the Redwood Skywalk.

Outside of the park and the zoo, people took to the skies from below with the Humboldt Kiters in Halverson Park. Those looking to get a bit more on the action had the opportunity to show their stuff while skating out in Cooper Gulch.

Kayakers were out on the bay too, thanks to Pacific Outfitters offering free demonstrations on the water.

“None of it can happen without the outstanding community partners that we’re working within the cities,” City of Eureka community services supervisor Jim Thomas said. “Working on building those relationships and providing different activities takes a lot of different folks coming together, dedicating the time and effort and resources to make it happen.”

Those on Team All Day had events they looked forward to seeing for themselves.

“I’m looking forward to the Family Olympics. We have families compete in six different events,” City of Eureka community services coordinator Katherine Cunningham said. “They earn points. It’s all about working as a team with your family, which I think is an awesome community opportunity.”

It’s all a part of getting on out into reality and escaping into fun.

The event ended with a screening of the 1993 baseball classic, The Sandlot, calling back to the event’s softball origins.