Ahh, the spell of summer. Afternoons hanging out with family and friends, maybe at the pool or picnicking. However, as September nears, and the sun goes down earlier and earlier, darkness challenges family time outdoors. Herndon Parks and Recreation Department (HPR) understands Herndon is about families and the good times. So….

On Saturday, Aug. 19, 8-9:30 p.m., families and friends gathered on the Herndon Town Hall Square, 730 Elden St. Children and adults alike played in the moonlight, as HPR hosted a free, Glow in the Dark Activity Night. The special event was part of Herndon Parks and Recreation's new series, It's ON! in Downtown Herndon this Summer, events planned with family interests in mind.

While the night’s fun started off with children and adults playing glow-in-the-dark bowling, ring toss, and tic-tac-toe, the ample supply of free glow necklaces and bracelets from the generous folks at Herndon Parks and Recreation kicked the dark party up a notch. Children being children, took gaming and art creation into their own hands and ran with it.

Within the hour, creativity ruled. Glow-in-the-dark arm hula-hoops, couture pet collars, and fashionable daddy headbands abounded. Friends Elisa Barallas, 9, and Annabelle Eggers, 9, demonstrated their creations – arm hula-hoops. After joining together many glow-in-the-dark necklaces to form newly minted mini hula-hoops, the girls slid them on their arms and began moving them in circles. Flowing waves of liquid light emerged. Over and over they did it, with the light resembling the bioluminescent alien world of "Avatar," swirling beside them.

Elisa said, "I want the night to last longer."

Mathew Eggers is Annabelle's dad. He said,"My kids have been on me all week for this. We were here last week for the water gun fight. Herndon Parks and Rec, keep doing this."

For information about other Herndon Parks and Recreation Department Downtown Special Events, including the upcoming Cupcake Ride, a four-mile family-friendly bike ride with stops at bakeries and businesses, the Labor Day Festival featuring Virginia wine tastings and craft beers, and the Kids Triathlon, a shortened swim, ride, run course with different divisions where everyone wins a medal, visit herndon-va.gov