Astoria Parks and Recreation is sponsoring “The Last Splash,” a new festival that will feature a variety of activities, food and live entertainment for the entire family, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at the downtown Astoria Plaza. There is no charge for admission.

“We wanted to do something for the community to celebrate summer here in Astoria,” said Jim Krettler, Astoria Parks and Recreation Supervisor. “This family festival will offer plenty of fun activities the kids and adults alike will love. We’re very pleased to be able to hold this event and hope it will become an annual tradition.”

As part of the festival, children’s activities will take place throughout the day. Face painting, a petting zoo, putt-putt golf, clowns, balloon animals and bubbles will be available. Here is a detailed outline of the day’s events and activities.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES: Children younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Panning for Gold: Sift and search for treasure waiting to be found.

Pine Cone Bird Feeder: Make a peanut-buttery treat your feathered friends are sure to enjoy.

Car Racing: Remote-controlled race cars will compete for the best times. Winner receives a trophy.

Air-Inflated Jump Room: Kids can jump to their hearts’ content.

Wheel-of-Fortune: Spin the wheel for more than 8,000 prizes.

Dunk Tank: Find out who gets dunked.

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS: Times are subject to change.

10 a.m. – Neighborhood Pet Show: Enter your own pet. Let Fluffy and Spot strut their stuff. All domesticated pets welcome.

11 a.m. – Anne-Louise Sterry, from Canby, is a children’s performer. Bring the kids to hear wonderful stories and sing songs.

Noon – Jolly Molly the clown: A children’s performer for more than 15 years, her performance includes music, songs, games with guitar and balloon sculptures.

12:30 p.m. – Anne-Louise Sterry- second performance.

1 p.m. – The Brownsmead Flats- Folk music for the whole family.

3 p.m. – Scandinavian Viking Dancers- These folks can really shake a leg.

4 p.m. – Astoria High School Band- Local favorites march and play.

5 p.m. – Jason Jones- Local musician featuring saxophone.

Vendors and nonprofits can rent booth space at the festival; contact Jim Krettler at (503) 325-7275. The cost is $25 per booth for profit companies and $10 per booth for nonprofit organizations.

In conjunction with the “Last Splash” festival, Astoria Parks and Community Services and Lum’s Auto Center are sponsoring a neighborhood pet show. Registration is at 9:45 a.m. and judging starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at the downtown plaza at 11th and Duane streets. Entry and admission are free.

All shapes and sizes of domestic pets are welcome, with feathers or fur or scales, squawkers, whinniers, snorters and slitherers. All animals must be on a leash or otherwise under control.

There will be prizes for best costume, best trick, cutest, most colorful, best trained and most unusual pets, as well as an owner and pet look-a-like contest.

For more information, call (503) 325-7275.

One of the categories in the Neighborhood Pet Show is “Cutest.” Photo by James LeBrun.