Annual Slide Out of Summer event held in Town Park on August 6th. Patrick O’Neil

RANGELEY — On August 6, children enjoyed obstacle courses and water slides at Rangeley’s Town Park for the annual Slide Out of Summer.

Liz Thompson, four years ago, developed the event, back when she worked for Rangeley’s Park and Recreation department in 2021.

No longer working for the Town of Rangeley, she, and her friend Kelsey Orestis, both teachers at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, were both enjoying the mid-summer event with their children. Orestis with her son Birch, and Thompson with her daughter Skylar.

August 6, 2024- Liz Thompson and Kelsey Orestis enjoying the annual Slide Out of Summer event in Rangeley’s Town Park Stephanie Dellavalle

“I think it’s things like this that make Rangeley so special. Driving up, Birch literally was jumping out of his seat in the car. He’s like bouncing up and down because he could see the tops of the slides coming through town. It’s a big deal. I think kids look forward to it every year now,” said Orestis.

Thompson chimed in, “And it’s great to see it’s kind of equal parts locals and people from away. You know, it’s not really geared towards one or the other. Whereas sometimes I feel like a lot of the things we do in the summer are geared towards offering things to the people who are here on vacation, but this is kind of a good mix of folks.”

During the summer break from school the children were happy to see a lot of friends they haven’t seen in a while.

Friends and fans of the annual Slide Out of Summer event, Birch Adkins and Skylar Thompson Stephanie Dellavalle

“It’s really great,” said Skylar.

“Yea, they haven’t even hung out and they live on the same street!” exclaimed Orestis, referring to Skylar and her son Birch.

Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association (RRGSA) volunteered their time, and donated food and beverages to the Slide Out of Summer event. Patrick O’Neil

This year the Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association offered to provide free food for the event. “They did all the cooking, brought in the burgers, the hot dogs, and their famous fries. It was awesome!” said current Director of Parks and Recreation Patrick O’Neil

Warm weather kept the children sliding up until the very end of the Slide Out of Summer event. Patrick O’Neil

Reflecting on this year’s event, with an eye toward next year’s, he said, “I mean, maybe we could add some music or something like that. You know, liven up the atmosphere, but overall, it was great. I mean, I’d probably estimate there were 150 to 200 kids.”

Later that same day, O’Neil posted his thanks on Facebook, “I want to give a big shout out to the Rangeley Water District (Al Clinch), Rangeley Fire Department (Chief Mike Bacon, FF Camden Carmicheal), Rangeley Region Guides & Sportsmen’s Association, and last but not least my recreation staff and volunteers (Kirk Wright, Emily O’Neil, Delaney Abore, Steve Grant, Kelly O’Neil). These are the people that made todays splash out summer a huge success.”

Children enjoying the slides at Rangeley’s Annual Slide Out of Summer event. Patrick O’Neil

Locals Lauren Johnson and son Braden enjoyed the annual summer event. Stephanie Dellavalle

Some of the slides were steeper than others.

There were a variety of inflatable water slides suitable for children in each age group. Patrick O’Neil