This week in Centennial Park

It’s the last week of summer break for the school kids and staff, and we’re not short on great activities to celebrate right here at home!

Lifesavers in the Park Tuesday

The week’s fun starts Tuesday, Aug. 17, with Lifesavers in the Park. Meet the volunteers of the Community Ambulance Service of New Rockford (CASNR), as well as other local heroes, at this annual event in New Rockford’s Centennial Park.

“Lifesavers in the Park is our way of giving back to the community,” said Georgia Johnson, manager of CASNR.

This year is extra special, because CASNR is celebrating 50 years of service to the community. To commemorate this milestone, volunteers have some extra activities planned for the evening.

Sanford AirMed will have a helicopter on site from 5-6 p.m. Come early and get the opportunity to step inside an air ambulance, which is critical for transferring critical care patients to larger facilities.

A meal will be served from 5-7 p.m., with a free will donation taken. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of a new four-wheel drive ambulance vehicle.

CASNR members will offer blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. Eleven area health organizations will also have informational booths, and attendees can ask questions about their services.

The evening will be capped off with a “Movie in the Park.” The movie will be projected onto a big screen inside the ambulance hall, a half block away from the park. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. for this family-friendly film, and Rockford Theatre movie popcorn and lemonade will be provided. Bring your own chair and settle in for an evening flick.

Johnson noted Tuesday that as they celebrate 50 years, CASNR is in dire need of volunteers. The commitment is 84 hours per month, or seven 12-hour shifts. Anyone 18 years of age and older interested in volunteering can start as a CPR driver, which requires a valid driver’s license and a CPR class. The class is available locally. Members will be on hand at the event to assist anyone interested in signing up to volunteer.

Summer Street Market Thursday

Come back downtown Thursday for the last street market of the summer!

Shop from a variety of vendors in Centennial Park from 4-7 p.m., offering fresh produce, clothing, handmade goods and more. Local musicians Steve and Cathy Bowman will be performing live from the gazebo.

Elsewhere downtown, 8th Street Boutique will be open to shoppers. Grab a slice of pizza and a drink under the awning at Miller's Fresh Foods, and stop in at Central Pharmacy for 20% off all gifts, and get an extra 20% off all clearance items.

It’s Forward Fest at Bank Forward Thursday too! In appreciation of their customers, Bank Forward is hosting a community lunch from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Eagles Club. They will also be giving out 200 cups of gelato from Duchessa Gelato in Carrington, so get them while they last!

Eddy County Public Health will be offering COVID-19 vaccines at both the Lifesavers in the Park event and at the Summer Street Market. Anyone 12 years of age and older who wishes to receive the vaccine can do so at no charge.