Bubble Fun for Everyone

Written by Whitney Cyr

The children of Westwood had fun in the sun—and suds— at the Foam Party sponsored by the Recreation Department on Tuesday. 

As one firefighter sprayed the foam from a giant hose, children from 1 year of age up to 10 squealed in excitement as they rushed to jump and run around in the massive pile of white suds at a field at the Sheehan School. 

Some emerged from the foam completely covered from head to toe while their parents took a towel to get the foam out of their faces before rejoining the fun.

In conjunction with the fire department, the Recreation Department has been putting the event on for more than 25 years.

Recreation department business manager Taryn Crocker said, “it’s a nice community event for everyone to come and have fun.” 

‘This event always attracts a large crowd, but I’d like to thank the fire department to help us put with on. They do all the work,” Crocker said.

Fire Captain Bob Valluzi said it’s a nice change from the usual pace at the fire department. Daily, Valluzi and his fire department are responding to fire and medical calls, but providing some foam for the neighborhood children to play in is a more upbeat experience.

“It’s good to interact with the community in a positive way. We just help out with the equipment and the know-how,” he said.

Liesbeth Brown, of Newton, was with her granddaughter at the Foam Party. Her granddaughter’s parents live in Westwood, and Brown happened to be driving by.

“It’s just lovely. I saw all the cars, then saw all the kids jumping into the foam, so I couldn’t help but want to stop by,” she said.

Marti Pilalas of Westwood also brought her granddaughter to the party. 

“This is the first year I’ve brought my granddaughter here, and she is having a blast right now.” Pilalas said she was helping other children by wiping the foam out of their eyes.

Liz Friedman brought her 4-year-old and 1-year old to the Sheehan School for an afternoon of fun. 

“It’s such a hot day, so this is a nice event. It’s funny though, because the foam is so high, I can only see my daughter’s head in there!”

Friedman said her younger daughter was a little suspicious of the foam, not quite knowing what it was or what to do with it.

“I think Westwood does a great job of putting on these events,” Friedman said. “It’s a great community-building atmosphere, it’s a good way for people to come together.”