BYOB (Balloons, that is)!
Get ready to make a splash at the Monroe County Prevention & Wellness Coalition's 5th Annual 'Smash The Stigma' Community Water Balloon Fight in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day!
Event Details
Date: August 15th
4:00 PM: Festivities Start (Food trucks, resources, and entertainment in Memorial Park)
6:00 PM: Water Balloon Fight & Parade Begins!
Prevention & Wellness Resources
Before the water balloons fly, Memorial Park will host a massive hub of support, education, and resources. "Smash the Stigma" is all about primary prevention and wrapping our community in a blanket of care. Take a walkthrough to check out mental and physical health resources, overdose prevention training, local treatment and recovery options, and our parent/caregiver education trailer where you'll learn to spot the hidden signs that it might be time for a conversation with your youth about substance misuse.
Memorial Wall – Honor. Remember. Break the Silence.
Help us personalize our message of hope and remembrance. We invite you to display a photo at the event of a loved one whose life has been impacted by overdose—either In Honor of someone living in recovery, or In Remembrance of a life lost. To submit a photo or get details, please send us a message or email monroepwc@gmail.com.
Special Parade Participation
Picture this: Firefighters and law enforcement will be driving down the street parade-style, aiming to soak bystanders and participants on the sidewalk. But here's the twist—bystanders and participants are encouraged to soak them back with water balloons and water guns! It's all part of the fun and camaraderie of the event.
Location & Route
Staging & Start: The parade stages at the First United Methodist Church and heads down Tellico St. to Memorial Park.
The Second Lap: Don't throw all your ammo at once! The parade will do a second lap starting from the Courthouse and heading back down Tellico St. to Memorial Park. Save some balloons for Round 2!
Strict No-Fight Zones: Water balloon fighting is ONLY permitted along Tellico St. Please do not throw balloons on any of the turnaround side streets (Hickory St. / College St.). Cleaning those areas up is a massive chore, so let’s keep the mess contained to the main strip!
What to Expect & Supply Rules
Balloons: BRING YOUR OWN PRE-FILLED WATER BALLOONS.
Water Guns: Refill stations with water buckets will be available in the park for water guns.
Safety Guidelines
To ensure a safe, fun, and memorable day smashing the stigma for everyone, please follow these community rules:
Absolutely NO Frozen Balloons: For everyone's safety, all water balloons must be standard and water-filled only. Frozen balloons are strictly prohibited.
Act Responsibly: Play safe, have fun, and look out for your neighbors.
Target Check: Do NOT throw water balloons at police officers, military personnel, the elderly, or small children UNLESS they are actively participating in the event.
Stay on Sidewalks: Stay safely on the sidewalks when fire and police apparatus are moving on the street.
Keep it Friendly: Water balloon throwing is allowed for all, but please behave appropriately for your age.
