Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

Splish, splash!

Water fights make it wet in downtown Hartley

Hartley's pool may be out of commission this year, but that hasn't stopped kids and adults alike from finding creative ways to cool down.

The Hartley Fire Department on July 8 hosted water fights on Central Avenue. Firemen from Archer, Melvin and Sheldon also joined in on the fun.

Kids' water fights kicked off the event. Local children enjoyed duking it out and soaking one another while trying to move a suspended bucket with a stream of water. The firemen were next, waging battle against the bucket as spectators looked on.

Hartley Fire Chief Brad Meendering said the water fights help firemen get acquainted with their equipment while also giving the hoses some much needed use. The event proved to be a decent fundraiser for the pool committee as well, generating more than $950 from sales of hotdogs, chips and drinks.