Portage Plains United Way's End of the Summer Pool Party takes place Friday evening at Splash Island in Portage la Prairie. Executive Director Mandy Dubois says it's the event's second year.

"It's one week earlier for us, so I'm hoping for nice weather. It's going to be similar to last year's event. So many of the kids and even the parents had such a great time. Spectrum Sound and Lights puts on a fantastic show with the lights and the smoke and the music. We had kids dancing on the pool deck, and swimming in the water."

She says it's a great time for students to get together before school starts, and one

Mandy Duboisof the last chances to swim at the pool this year.

"That's all we're hoping for -- people to come out and enjoy Splash Island in the evening when they don't usually get to enjoy it. And it's all in support of Portage Plains United Way. I would say there was about 200 people who came out last year. We can fill it full of a lot more, so I would love to see a lot more people come out this year. Splash Island closes in a week, too. So, it's almost one of your last opportunities."

Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for youth ages 3 to 17, and families (two adults and two youths) is $15.00. Dubois says that's cheaper than regular admission. Last year they raised close to $1,000. She notes PRRA is so gracious to donate the pool, and Spectrum Sound and Light donates the DJ and lights, helping keep costs low, and allowing lower prices and a profit for United Way.

Party opens Friday at 6:00 p.m. and runs until 10:00 p.m.