Salisbury Elementary School was the site of something special June 3.

Shortly after noon, the sounds of triumph and laughter could be heard near the dunk tank as a teacher fell into the water thanks to one of his students. In another area, a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout were busy racing their handmade boats, telling The Press how excited they were the school year was almost over.

A giant inflatable play structure kept many of the township’s younger members busy playing, while parents caught up with neighbors and old friends, discussing how the school year went and summer plans.

Salisbury Township Police Officers could be seen walking the grounds, taking the opportunity to meet and take pictures with children of all ages.

And in the distance, firetrucks from both the Eastern Salisbury Fire Department and Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company provided the backdrop to what was SES’s 40th anniversary of the Ice Cream Festival ... Salisbury’s unofficial start to summer!

For PTO President Jennifer Freys, who spent weeks planning this special day, things could not have turned out better.

“This year’s Ice Cream Festival was a huge success due to our many volunteers that helped. The PTO formed a committee this year to help plan, organize and execute this event. We had an amazing turnout, and it was so great to see so many smiling faces and connect with our community,” Freys said.

Freys and the PTO had a special display of pictures from past festivals, filled with memories from residents and former students. If you have any pictures you would like to provide the PTO with, you are encouraged to send them to sespto@salisburysd.org.

Salisbury Township School District Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten could not have been happier with how the day went. In an interview with The Press during the celebration, she made a point of thanking both the PTO and its volunteers, who spent hours ensuring a memorable day.

“I’m so appreciative of all the work the PTO and our community members have done to create this exciting opportunity for our Salisbury school community. There are a lot of teachers and staff members here and volunteers really focusing on creating this happy and inclusive family event.”

One of the popular activities was “putting out a fire” with the help of one of the Eastern Salisbury Fire Department volunteers. Another firefighter, Kaisie Bauder, remarked, “It’s always a fun day for our elementary school students and their families and we enjoy helping them close out their school year on a high note.”

Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Adam Al-Khal added, “We look forward to participating each year for a fun occasion that does not involve an emergency response but puts us in touch with our young students and their families in a positive setting.”

As the township’s first School Resource Officer, Salisbury Police Chief Donald Sabo explained to The Press the close ties his department has with the district’s schools.

“I am glad the festival has lasted this long and hope it continues for another 40 years. The Salisbury Police Department is committed to community policing and continued support of our residents, students and visitors. We have built a long-lasting relationship with not only the community, but Salisbury School District students and staff as well. Our School Resource Officer program has built the framework for these relationships and it certainly filters down in the department,” Sabo said.

“I was the first School Resource Officer and was at this festival every year enjoying these interactions. It is great to see the community and the school come together to enjoy each other. Our officers love to interact with community members in a positive way. Too often our jobs see the worst situations in people’s lives, but on occasion we get to enjoy programs like this and share in the positive contacts we can offer, especially when ice cream is involved,” Sabo said.

Salisbury, mark Aug. 1 on your calendar for the next big community get-together!

Sabo confirmed with The Press this year’s National Night Out will take place on that date, tentatively scheduled to be held at SES.

“We look forward to seeing everyone and being part of the Salisbury community. In fact, at the end of the day, community support, trust and strong relationships are what makes not only our community, but the police department stronger,” Sabo said.