Mesquite Days Family Fun Night

The mud pits and Tug-O-War was the much anticipated event of Family Fun Night. The pits were empty until 7 p.m. when the announcement was made; the sidelines quickly filled with spectators who laughed heartily when the contestants were pulled into the pit. There seemed to be an endless supply of youth who wanted to chill in the muddy water; some even jumped in voluntarily while others may have been pushed by a mischievous teammate.

Houses continued to bounce under the weight of the youthful population of Mesquite during the Family Fun Night held at the Old Mill Ball Fields on Wednesday May 2. Family Fun Night has been the traditional kick off for the Mesquite Days Celebration for several years and this year was bigger than ever. The houses are always one of the more popular attractions at the annual event. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Even with rain threatening to pour down over the entire area, bouncy houses, bull riding and mud pits were all a popular part of Family Fun Night, the kick off to the Mesquite Days celebration that lasted all weekend long. The ‘Old Fashioned Family Fun Night’ began several years ago as the kick off to the Mesquite Days ‘Founding’ celebration held annually during the first week of May; and this year was better than ever.

The night’s festivities contain what the name implies, simple ‘Old Fashioned’ games food and entertainment.

The mechanical bull was a huge hit with the kids on Family Fun Night and while others were thrown off in a hurry, Kiovonni Brown shows the mechanical bull and the crowd a thing or two about how to properly hang on tight. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Mesquite Fire and Rescue workers cooked up burgers and hot dogs and the Senior Nutrition program supplied all the ‘fixins’ for a good old fashioned BBQ. Potato sack races, a dunk tank, Police vehicles and Tug-O-War were as popular as ever and entertainment was provided by local dancers and musicians. Vendors also lined the sidewalk handing out information on their organization, soliciting new business or selling their wares. Most offered free gifts for visitors who stopped by their booths; Precision Eye Care even gave out free sunglasses to everyone.

The Mesquite Recreation Life Long Fitness Program’s dance teams were willing to entertain the crowds and show them how these ladies stay fit during the Old Fashioned Family Fun Night. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Yes, this year was the best by far and on May 2, the Old Mill Ball Fields were full of families and individuals having exactly what they came to have; fun.