The muddiest show on (or in) earth returns July 17. That's when Henkel Consumer Goods Inc., marketers of well-known brands such as Dial®, Purex®, Renuzit® and Right Guard®, and the city of Scottsdale present the 34th annual Mighty Mud Mania event. Activities run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chaparral Park, 5401 N. Hayden Road.
Mighty Mud Mania features activities for kids in two age groups, 6 and under and ages 7 to 17. The younger group can enjoy the mini mud course, mini waterslide, mud pit, sand castle building and an area dubbed “Mudville.” Older children can try the original mud obstacle course, waterslides, sandcastle building, and mud pits.
Participants must wear lace-up or Velcro shoes (sandals and flip-flops are not allowed) and must bring a signed permission slip or have a parent or guardian available at the event to sign one.
Scottsdale firefighters will provide a “kidwash,” so children can go home clean. Fully rinsed kids who bring along clean swimsuits and towels can also enjoy a free swim at Chaparral Pool from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Residents can call (480) 312-2771 to be put on a list to receive Mighty Mud Mail, or e-mail terickson@scottsdaleaz.gov to be put on an e-mail list for detailed information, permission slips, parking map, and everything needed for the event. There is also a Mighty Mud Mania answer line at (480) 312-2704 and a Web site, http://www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Parks/MMM
About 200 volunteers are needed to staff the event each year. Muddy and not-so-muddy jobs are available. Please call or e-mail the numbers and address listed above by July 6 to volunteer.
Other sponsors for the 2009 event are Arizona's Tooth Dr. for Kids, ClifKid/Clifbar, Cricket Communications, Heritage Trucking, SRP, and Universal Fog Outdoor Misting Systems.
