Fireman's Foam a Big Hit for Westwood Kids

On Wednesday afternoon hundreds of Westwood children got to run around in big piles of foam, thanks to Westwood Recreation Department and the Westwood Fire Department.

Even with multiple cancellations, Westwood Recreation Department Manager Mike Griffin called the event a complete success.

"I am amazed by the turnout," Griffin said, as about a hundred kids laughed and played in the foam. "I was expecting half of this crowd since it was postponed a few times. This turned out great."

During the event, the Westwood Fire Department created piles of foam using an applicator in which children and teenagers can play around. Firefighters explained that the foam is safe and easily washable. It is made of concentrated soap bubbles and water.

Firefighters like Joe McDonald were right there to hose off the kids, some of whom were covered head to toe.

"We use foam which is basically the same thing as soap detergent for washing dishes, and it makes all kinds of bubbles," said Westwood Deputy Fire Chief Roderick Morrison. "Then they come over and we have two hoses set up and wash them off, and they start all over again. It's always a good time and everyone enjoys it."

Griffin explained that the event was originally set for July 14, but the ground outside of the Deerfield School was too soggy. He said that the combination of the foam and the soggy ground would have badly damaged the field, so the date was pushed back about a week.

According to Griffin, the event is a tradition that has been going for at least 20 years. While it is held in Westwood, Griffin said that people from as far as Sharon were there on Wednesday afternoon.

Local residents like Kerry Smith and her three children were able to enjoy the fun in the sun. The weather held out nicely, with temperatures in the 80s and sunny. This gave local families a great way to let off some steam and cool off during what has been a very hot summer.

"This is a great free, annual event," said Griffin. "People came from all over today, like Dedham and Sharon. It's not only for Westwood families, it's for everyone."

While the event is targeted for children, it didn't stop a few adults from hopping into the foam. Westwood Recreation Department Sports Clinic Supervisor Pat O'Brien was completely covered with the foam. At one point, his fellow Sports Clinic leaders Dave Voneuw and George Georgaklis were in the pile of foam as if they were little kids again. Spirits were clearly running high at the Deerfield School.

"We're just supposed to be doing security so this is a great time," said O'Brien as he wiped foam away from his face. "I love working with kids. I'm really just a big kid anyway."