CLEWISTON- Initially, Melissa Hassenplug simply wanted to hold a community kickball game, in conjunction with the Central County Water Control District’s Easter drive through event. She was hoping to organize activities that would bring the community together. That idea grew into a small festival complete with food, games, and an egg hunt.

Residents of Montura have come together to organize a Neighborhood Get Together event, on Saturday, April 3, 2021.  Many people donated food, decorations, and other items to make the event a success. The event will now include an egg hunt, kickball, bounce houses, water slides, snow cones, BBQ, and more!

“There were some obstacles we had to overcome and we had to think outside the box to accomplish some of the things we wanted,” explained Hassenplug. “So, I got in touch with a resident who runs a catering company and he offered to cook for everyone, so we started asking residents if they would donate to us so we could purchase all the food for everyone.”

“I was, and still am astounded at the amount of support we received from the community. With each donation this little get together was getting larger and larger,” she said. “So, on April 3rd, coinciding with the Easter drive-thru event provided by the district, we have a great day planned with family friendly kickball, beach volleyball, face painting, an egg hunt, egg decorating, different races for the kids and prizes donated by residents. We’ve received donations and support from our own district and board members as well as some major players in the area.”

Hassenplug added, “For being, just residents, not an organization, not affiliated with anyone or anything, I think this really proves how this little place is packed with amazingly genuine people who really want to see great things happening out here, and want to see a better future here for our children.” She went on, “We managed to come together and support one another regardless of differences of opinions and other divisions in the community to make this happen. I feel like we have really established a neighborhood and one that I am so proud to be a part of.”

I’d like to take a second as we’re getting closer to the big day to thank everyone involved in making this happen!

“A huge shout out to everyone who has volunteered their time in organizing the activities! Antonio Matos , for not only the great food but also for helping in every way he can to make sure this day goes amazingly! Frances Vasquez for all her help in organizing the egg hunt as well as the rest of the activities. Lisalett Aleu and her husband Awo Julio Benitez Jr. for organizing the egg decorating station. Daniel Santiago Jr. for volunteering his face painting skills for our littles. Annia Roque and her husband Fernando Martinez for all their contributions and making sure we have prizes for the activities going on. Christopher Gray for all his help behind the scenes and getting the things we need for different activities. To all the people that have donated to the Cash App or have donated goods, All the people that have volunteered their time to make sure we all have a great day!!  So many of you I couldn’t possibly name you all!” Hassenplug said. “Big shout out to Plunkett Realty, Blackwolf Septic & land clearing, The Hill Foundation and Mr. Mata for making it possible for us all to enjoy a water slide, bounce house, obstacle course and the shaved ice! We have truly come together as a community and I can only speak for myself when saying I’m proud to say I live here with all you amazing people!”

The schedule of activities during the Neighborhood Get Together event are as follows:

11 a.m. kick off!! (Don’t forget to drive-thru the clubhouse event and get the kids a goody bag before parking!) The following activities will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

• Bounce house

• Obstacle course

• Water slide

• Egg decorating station

• Face painting

• Beach volleyball

• Kickball

Food will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Shaved ice will be available from noon to 2 p.m.

Egg hunt will start at 12:30 p.m. until all the eggs are found.

Cupcake decorating station will be from at 1 to 3 p.m. (or until cupcakes are gone)

Four children’s activity stations: sack hop, three-legged race, egg and spoon race, and tug o’ war, will be going from 1 to 3 p.m.

For more information about the Neighborhood Get Together, check out the event on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/236lIYTHF