Sixth-graders took their first steps inside the opening day of the annual Teen Break event Tuesday.

Jillian Danielson Photo/Special to the News-Herald Left to right, Mandy Gall, Kaitlyn Murry and Kaylee Kingston ride the Sizzler Tuesday afternoon during Teen Break at Rotary Park. The Sizzler was one of the carnival attractions available for the middle school and high school students.

And all they could pretty much say — over and over again — was that it was “awesome.”

“It’s awesome,” said Chase Miller, a sixth grader at Thunderbolt Middle School. “My favorite free thing is the ‘Ring of Fire,’ because it’s awesome (and) because it’s scary.”

James Googe, a seventh-grader from Thunderbolt, also gave his perspective on the first of the three-day event.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “All the rides are back and there are even more rides.”

The 17th Annual Teen Break runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rotary Park today and Thursday for all sixth- through 12th-graders. Parents must register their students for the event. The fee is $35 and includes all rides, food and drinks for the entire event. Financial assistance can be provided to families who inquire about the scholarships at the Aquatic Center at 100 Park Ave.

Many of the students who attended the event last year said this year’s event was better, but they didn’t think there were as many students in attendance.

City staff said about 1,400 students had registered by 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“We can hang out with friends and have free rides,” said Lake Havasu High School 10th grader Karisa Keirns. “It’s amazing.”

Students can choose from several carnival rides, a virtual reality “ride,” a huge inflatable water slide, a “blob” that bounces you into the water, dancing contests, and BMX contests.

The public is invited to the free faith-based “after-hours” events each night from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rotary Park. A BMX and skateboarding competition will be tonight.

You may contact the reporter at jleatherman@havasunews.com

Break runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rotary Park today and Thursday for all sixth- through 12th-graders. Parents must register their students for the event. The fee is $35 and includes all rides, food and drinks for the entire event. Financial assistance can be provided to families who inquire about the scholarships at the Aquatic Center at 100 Park Ave.

Many of the students who attended the event last year said this year’s event was better, but they didn’t think there were as many students in attendance.

City staff said about 1,400 students had registered by 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“We can hang out with friends and have free rides,” said Lake Havasu High School 10th grader Karisa Keirns. “It’s amazing.”

Students can choose from several carnival rides, a virtual reality “ride,” a huge inflatable water slide, a “blob” that bounces you into the water, dancing contests, and BMX contests.

The public is invited to the free faith-based “after-hours” events each night from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rotary Park. A BMX and skateboarding competition will be tonight.

You may contact the reporter at jleatherman@havasunews.com