Ontelaunee Park recently became a bubble paradise thanks to Northwestern Elementary’s Partners in Education.

The children could not have been happier as they dipped giant wands into large, plastic pans of sudsy water, and then released spectacular iridescent bubbles that lifted high into the air.

PIE President Erica Seither, who orchestrated the fun, enjoyed the festivities with her two children, Chase, new to sixth grade and Layla, an up-and-coming third grader.

She said that bubble day at the park was in its second or third year.

“It started out at my house,” Seither said. “I filled a baby pool with bubble liquid and we used hula hoops on sticks to create the bubbles.

“After a few years, there were so many kids we moved to Ontelaunee Park.”

She continued explaining, as she hauled two big bags full of treats for the children.

“We hired Grandpa Bubbles this year and that has made it so much easier for me,” Seither said.

Nichole Moyer offered kudos to Seither.

“Erica does a lot of things all through the summer, so she hooked us up,” Moyer said. “She’s awesome.”

That seemed to be the consensus of the group enjoying the bubbles event.

Other PIE sponsored activities this summer included a day at Knoebels and Bear Rock Junction and a glow in the park party at Ontelaunee Park.

“We came at 7 p.m. and brought glow sticks for the kids,” Seither said. “We’ve been trying to have an event each week, all summer long, so the kids don’t lose touch with their friends.

“Because they get to see each other, they hopefully won’t be so nervous on the first day of school.”

The next event is scheduled for Aug. 23.

“We’re having a back-to-school party,” Seither said.

“Maria Pulli, principal of Northwestern Elementary, will also be there to welcome the children.

“An ice cream truck is going to come to the park and we will be handing out ice cream cones to all the children.”

Festivities will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.