A fundraiser to pay for the ongoing operation of the Norma Jean Somers Splash Pad in Coloma is planned for Sunday, July 19 at the splash pad.

Coloma Mayor Marsha Hammond tells us last summer was the splash pad’s first full season at Randall Park, and it’s proven to be exceedingly popular.

“It’s wonderful,” Hammond said. “We got really, I think, even a better response to it than I had anticipated, and it warms our hearts to see so many people taking advantage of an opportunity here in Coloma instead of having to go to outside communities.”

However, it does cost money to run the splash pad, which was built entirely through donations. Hammond says the water bill for the pad last year was about $3,500, so the community plans to hold a couple of fundraising events each summer to cover operations.

Next Sunday’s fundraiser will be “Christmas in July” at the splash pad.

“We are going to have Santa at the splash pad. He will be there to talk to kids, meet with kids, take pictures, and he will be in the splash pad with them.”

They’ll also have frozen hot chocolate and activities for the kids. Hammond says it’ll be $5 to get in and the event will run from 2 to 4 p.m.

Hammond notes other fundraisers coming up for the splash pad’s operations will include a dunk tank at the Coloma Glad Peach Festival July 31 and August 1 and “Paws on the Pad” day, featuring dogs and all the associated fun, around Labor Day. In the meantime, everyone’s invited to Christmas in July next weekend to get in the holiday spirit about five months early.