The annual Arlington Summer Sizzle is an all-day event.
It starts bright and early, and ends with a Fourth of July fireworks display. It's at that time — the conclusion — when the people who put on the community celebration reminisce about the food, activities and sports competition.
“We all, at the end, kind of get a little emotional, and find pride in our community and the board that we have,” Sizzle committee secretary Shannon Foust said Saturday morning at the start of the 2022 festivity.
She was behind the wheel, driving at the front of the day's first sporting event — the 5-kilometer run and walk.
“It's just a good time,” Foust said. “With the small community, we're all supporting each other.”
Shortly after the foot race won by Arlington High School runner Nolan May, the slow-pitch softball tournament started at Two Rivers Sports Complex. Teams battled it out on the diamond as gaga ball, four-square volleyball, Spikeball and the cornhole tourney were available to play, too.
Sports and competition fill a large portion of the day's schedule.
Ashley Huddle of Gretna and Kayleen Stafford of Papillion were among those throwing bags back-and-forth during the cornhole tournament. Both said they've attended the Summer Sizzle event since the beginning. Family is what keeps them coming to Arlington.
“Best weekend ever,” Stafford said.
The school teacher at the 5K finish line, meanwhile, has participated in the same number of Sizzles as the aforementioned out-of-towners.
“I think every year they've had it,” Scott Parson said when asked how often he's enjoyed the day.
He volunteers his sound system and his time where necessary, but, mostly, just takes the event all in.
“I don't really get involved in any games,” Parson said. “I just like to socialize and see people, and visit.”
It's a day full of sports, fun and — in the end — fireworks for Arlington families.
