New Site Launches ‘Community Fun Day’ Which Was, Indeed FUN for Citizens of All Ages

This reporter had the good fortune of being assigned to photograph goings on at the Community Fun Day gathering at the Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center the late morning and early afternoon hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) of Saturday, August 8th. The event, conceived as a pre-back-to-school gathering for both students and associated adults, appeared to be a rousing success and a good time for all involved.

Event Graphic from the Town website, below the Santmyers Student Union and Activities Center front entrance, and a sign greeting citizens at that entrance. Royal Examiner photos Roger Bianchini

We found this report on the Town of Front Royal website: “We’re excited to come together for this year’s Community Fun Day, bringing even more energy, activities, and experiences to this end-of-summer celebration.

“This annual event brings together families, students, schools, local businesses, and community organizations from across Warren County for a day centered on fun, connection, and community. This year’s event will feature even more interactive activities and experiences for all ages,” town officials wrote, adding, “Whether you’re coming for the music, the games, the activities, or simply the opportunity to connect with others in the community, there’s something for everyone at Community Fun Day.

“Bring the whole family and help us celebrate the end of summer the best way we know how — together.”

Some patrons were taking advantage of services inside the main building, including a very functional AC, helping those who had been outside to take a break from the baking sun. Below, the Hope Cafe had water to help with the heat recovery. And this trio of boys had the billiards table surrounded.

Linked Interview

This reporter had a chance to interview three organizers associated through their membership and roles in the Reaching Out Now organization. Reaching Out Now has been at the center of resurrecting positive opportunities for this community’s youth. See those organizers, Samantha Barber, Joe Barber, and Ken Knesh’s comments in the LINKED story.

But first since you’re here why not review some photographic evidence of the FUN being had and the variety of booths available with information, not only on this community’s Public School system, but other community organizations available with information on community connections and perspectives allowing the fun being had this Saturday to be available throughout the year, till the next one of these FUN DAYS rolls around again next summer.

And here are some photographic examples of that fun being had, definitely “together”, this summer of 2026.

Let’s see what’s going on out back. It was a wide variety of booths, some offering free samples. And there was shade provided under which your Grab it and Bag it snacks could be enjoyed. And of course, there were Public School booths here, at Skyline Middle School, and Ressie Jeffries to the left. More school booths will be shown further down the photo list.

Oh BOY, some Tug of War competitions were brewing. First, this group of kids looks ready to go. Uh oh, the other side must have been readier.

A challenge was issued to County Fire & Rescue, and here it begins: pulling. Uh oh, a little too late, the Fire & Rescue squad noticed that they were significantly outnumbered, about 10 to 5, it looks like.

And as promised, more school booths, starting with E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School, then Warren County High School, and finally A.S. Rhodes Elementary. Sorry for missing the other school booths. I’m sure they were there somewhere.

And we’ll end with a heads-up about this poster advertising the Student Union’s Summer Enrichment Program. It may not be too late to catch some of those enrichments

Reaching Out Now Organizers reflect on evolving expansion of youth activities at Santmyers reborn Youth Center