Bobby Ray Memorial Elementary School knows how to start the school year off right - with a blast of water, all with the help of McMinnville Fire Department.

Friday afternoon, the students were treated to a day of fun to celebrate the beginning of the school year with the school's annual Starburst Day.

On Starburst Day, the McMinnville Fire Department brings a fire truck to the school during the afternoon and sprays water into the parking lot from its bucket, allowing the water to rain down on students in first through fifth grade. Students who earned three Star Bucks for good behavior were permitted to join the fun.

The fire truck portion of the day has been an ongoing fixture for at least ten years according to McMinnville Fire Department Captain Trevor Gribble.

“We love being able to come out and do this for the kids,” said Gribble. “The most rewarding part is hearing all the kids out there screaming, hollering and just having fun.”

The Fire Department’s efforts did not go unnoticed as droves of children ran through the fire truck’s spray, enjoying a reprieve from the sweltering summer sun. Some of the teachers even joined in the fun, laughing and playing with their students in the water.

“This is like a celebration for the beginning of the year,” said second-grade teacher Danielle Blaylock. “We are all looking forward to a new year with a new class of kids and making connections with all of them. It is going to be a good year for all of us and Starburst Day is a great way for us to start building a relationship with the kids.”