ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

An official countdown of “3 ... 2 ... 1!” swept up the crowd of adults and children alike into the energetic frenzy. The park’s dog fountain served a vital role as a water refill station for participants’ weapons of choice, including many that were homemade from water bottles.

Families walking through the parkÌýstopped to watch the controlled chaos, with some even joining in as they borrowed extra water guns to take part in the action on a day whereÌýtemperatures hit 40 C with the humidex.Ìý

In the crowd of enthusiastic participants was Maria Morales,Ìýher two nephews, Liam and Kaleb and their mother, Vivien Lee.ÌýMorales seemed to be having just as much fun, if not more, than the kids.Ìý

“This stranger just poured a whole bucket on me,” she said while standingÌýdrenched from head to toe andÌýshrieking with joy. “It’s so unique,” she said, of the event meant to bring people together for the sake of “just having fun.”

The Water Gun Fight, an annual event now in its fourth year, was organized by Urban Playground ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, a community group of volunteersÌýthat creates free, family-friendly experiences to encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone and explore playÌý— especially as adultsÌý— and meet strangers who could become friends.

“I call it a ripple of good energy,â€� said event organizer Kfir Levi who has also staged group pillow fights and snowball fights across the city.Ìý

The ideas for these events, he said, comes from him and his own friends wanting to find space to connect and to encourage others to do the same.Ìý

“And as you can see, it is working,” said Levi, while scanning the crowd of people clearly having a blast.Ìý

“I hope this kind of engagement will encourage other people to act, too,” said Levi, adding it just takes one personÌý— or a group of friendsÌý— toÌýinvite others to joinÌýevents they enjoy or want to try.

Volunteer Alyssa Jacoby said the success of the gatherings comes down to having fun.Ìý“I knew, the minute we showed joy, that we would bring people in,” she said.ÌýÌý

“We showed everybody that you can talk to a stranger and you can invite them to engage,” said Jacoby adding, “it’s a big city, but we’re able to bring everybody together.”