HOWARD, WI (WTAQ) — It’s been weeks of hot temperatures, high humidity, and low wind, and with the COVID-19 pandemic underway–most places to cool off have been closed.
One of those is the Duck Creek Quarry in Howard, which is closed to all but Howard residents and their guests, and Howardites are taking advantage.
“It’s been so hot this whole week,” said Autumn, a Howard resident visiting the quarry with her friends. “I was like ‘let’s just go float on the quarry’. Went to Walmart, got some floaties, we were floating out for a little bit.”
There were a lot of people taking advantage of the Quarry.
“I’m just excited to be outside,” Nick, a Howard resident, told us. “Weather’s great. Sun is shining. It’s nice and warm. Really great to be here.”
It’s a welcome respite during a time when other traditional cool down activities are limited.
“We’ve been camping and going to every lake we can find and hanging out,” Angela, floating on the quarry with her friend Meg, told WTAQ.
The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t concern too many quarry-goers on Wednesday.
“We’re not slobs,” said Angela. “We wash our hands. We don’t go around other people.”
“We kind of just keep our distance. I haven’t really been by anyone besides my friends,” Teagan, another quarrygoer, said. “I feel like everyone kind of feels the same way about it.”
City staff are on hand checking wristbands and in the case of Zach Meyer, selling concessions.
“The cold treats and the drinks have been especially popular,” said Meyer. “The chocolate? Not selling at all. It melts in the sun!”
Masks aren’t required, but social distancing is recommended. Howard residents can pick up wristbands at city hall. Warmer-than-usual heat is expected all month.