Teens in the Riverbank community were treated to a day filled with activities, food and fun this past Saturday at the Teen Center, hosted by the City of Riverbank’s Parks and Recreation Department for the fourth year.

There were approximately 35 to 40 teens that attended the free event that is thrown to celebrate the teens in the community. New this year to the event was a photo booth that instantly printed pictures that guests could take home as a memento of the occasion. The photos even had ‘Teen Fest 2015’ printed on them. There were several options for guests to choose from to make a creative photo strip like a variety of hats, colorful necklaces, and sunglasses, props of lips, and mustaches as well as signs with sayings. The photo booth stayed occupied throughout the event with some guests taking several different shots with different props.

City staffer Stephanie Argumedo was the DJ on the scene, providing a variety of music for all to enjoy. Guests were able to request songs as well.

“This was my second year working it and I had tons of fun,” stated Argumedo. “This year we added a photo booth, which the kids loved.”

Back by popular demand was the SpecOps Live Play company that brought blue and red ‘Bumperz’ – human sized hamster balls – along with archery gear, which was a hit with all the youngsters.

“The parts I enjoyed the most were taking pictures in the photo booth and playing SpecOps with not only the teens but my co-workers,” added Argumedo.

The city staff was challenged by the teens in a friendly game of archery tag, which they engaged in that included lots of laughter and smiles.

For the guests that worked up an appetite, the city staff grilled some hot dogs for the teens to enjoy along with chips, cupcakes and soda.

Teens attending also received a raffle ticket and for every guest that they brought with them for the festivities, they would receive another ticket. The raffle was well received by the teens that attended as they won gift cards for Starbucks, Jack in the Box, Coldstone, and Subway.

The youngsters had a variety of activities to partake in like pool, table tennis or board games.

Even though the warm September day was a bit hazy because of lingering wildfires surrounding the region, local youths still participated in Teen Fest enjoying the activities, indoor and out.

“The Teen Fest was a great success,” stated Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Kerrie Webb. “The Recreation staff did an outstanding job with getting the kids involved.”