By HEATHER PYLES-TOMLINSON
Commonwealth Journal
Somerset — It took a village to deliver what everyone wanted, and it seems like this year’s SomerBlast — which was non-existent as of three weeks ago — was a success. “I thought it went tremendously,” said Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler on Monday. “I was just extremely pleased.” This weekend’s July 4th festivities at SomerSplash Water Park, located on Ky. 2227, marked the first time the event wasn’t held at SomerSport Park, and thousands filtered into SomerSplash throughout the day Saturday to enjoy the water, sun and, at around 10 p.m., the fireworks. “We could not have asked for better weather or a better event,” Girdler said. In years past, SomerBlast had been held at SomerSport Park, but organizers announced in mid-June that the event was no more because thousands of dollars had been lost in the expensive undertaking in 2009. What followed was an uproar by concerned Pulaski County residents — and travelers who would be spending the holiday weekend with family in the area — who asked that something be done to bring a fireworks display to Somerset this year. Commonwealth Journal readers voiced their displeasure through Facebook, and a CJ reporter’s suggestion that the water park host the event was fielded. Within just a few short days, the City of Somerset began plans to bring an event to the popular SomerSplash — which was set to unveil its newest attractions in the coming weeks. “We didn’t know whether we could put it (SomerBlast) together in time ... but it went together very well,” Girdler said. The festivities began at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3, with a grand opening ceremony for the brand new bowl and speed water slides at SomerSplash. The event continued throughout the day with performances from local bands, and thousands were shuttled to and from the park by buses provided by the Pulaski County Board of Education. “The whole community banded together,” Girdler said. “That’s what teamwork will do.” The Somerset Police Department and members of the Police Explorers program provided security and enforcement throughout the day. SPD Det. Lt. Shannon Smith, said through an e-mail to the Commonwealth Journal that the event progressed relatively smoothly, despite the large numbers of people that gathered at the park and on surrounding roads. “As with most special events, we had several uniformed officers patrolling the area on bikes, Segways, golf carts, and on foot,” Smith wrote in the e-mail. “They answered a few minor complaints throughout the day and evening. They also reunited several children with their families after being separated.” Girdler emphasized that he doesn’t have specific numbers for those in attendance, but he estimated as many as 4,000 people made their way into SomerSplash throughout the day Saturday. As many as 10,000 to 15,000 people took in the fireworks show from outside the park, Girdler guessed. The 20-minute fireworks display took place at 10 p.m., and many people took to the surrounding roadways to catch a show that, as of several weeks ago, wouldn’t happen. “Everything just came together,” Girdler said. Smith said SPD faced a “sizable” amount of traffic once the event concluded, but he added that SomerBlast’s location on Ky. 2227 made that situation easier to deal with. “Everyone seemed very patient while we moved most of the traffic out to make room for others to get in to pick up family and friends,” Smith wrote in the e-mail. Smith said one non-injury accident was reported near the entrance of the water park, but that no other incidents were reported. Girdler said he and others involved with the event are hoping to have the festivities at SomerSplash next year as well. “We hope it will really turn out to be something,” Girdler said. A phone call made to SomerSplash Monday afternoon seeking comments from manager Stephen Sims was not returned by press time.
