After the blazing heat of last year's picnic, a few water sports were on tap for this year's revelers. This year's unofficial block party theme was "The Wetter, The Better!"

When things started getting hot at the 2nd Annual DTCA Independence Day Block Party, out came the water balloons and pistols. And out came the fun.

Most of the 171 registered residents and guests - from 66 households - who attended felt a little splash (some more than others, no names mentioned Ron Allen) before the day was over.

The festivities began with a visit by the Washington Township Fire Department. A fire truck and two other emergency trucks were on display, which allowed many of our younger residents to see these types of vehicles up-close for the very first time. Many small faces were spotted with wide eyes and a dropped jaw.

Then, the powerful engines roared to life and the riders hopped on their red, white and blue bikes. The party quickly reached full-tilt speed when the sirens started wailing and the spirited bicyclist moved out.

When the caravan returned to the main picnic area, all of the successful riders received a medal and ribbon for their efforts.

Then the floodgates really opened wide when the party favors were handed out to the kids - of all sizes. The sky quickly filled with patriot planes zigging and zagging. The big bats (see photo) and small frogs were some of the other popular party favors.

Meanwhile, big and little folks alike were buying raffle tickets in hopes of winning four choice seats (and Free Parking!) to an Indiana Fever WNBA game at Conseco Fieldhouse (thru the generous courtesy of Randy & Lisa Riley) or a kid's bicycle (thanks very much Linda Kirk) or a Super Soaker. (If you need to ask, you don't want to know.)

The proceeds from the raffle will be used as the initial contribution to a fund for re-landscaping the Hoover Road entrance to Delaware Trails.

The first hour of the party flew by and then it was time for the main course. In addition to the tasty picnic fixin's served up by the fine folks at Jug's, additional culinary delights covered two long tables.

Residents outdid themselves this year by providing a wide variety of original and delicious side dishes and desserts. Highlights included the broccoli salad, the thin noodles, the sweet and juicy watermelon, the red, white and blue sparkling cupcakes and too many other fresh baked cookies, cakes and pies to mention.

The Bounce House was inflated for airborne thrills while the sound system kept the party beat going throughout the event. The sun eventually moved low enough in the bright blue sky so that anyone seeking shade could find a comfortable spot.

After dinner, board members Linda Kirk and Jeff Rayman hosted the DTCA Neighborhood Yard Contest awards ceremony. All of the category winners received a gift certificate to a local restaurant or home & garden store.

Then, president Jeff Pitts hosted the raffle drawing for the Fever tickets (and Free Parking!), the bike and the Super Soakers. The winners were announced and the prizes distributed. The Super Soaker was quickly filled, as were dozens of water pistols from the tub. Hardly anyone escaped the ensuing aqua madness and everyone was smiling and laughing.

Thanks to everybody on Linda Kirk's committee who worked long and hard tending to all of the details that made the event such a success.