How Shakespeare Festival, waterparks stay prepared for heat warning

ST. LOUIS – Heavy bouts of rain early Monday gave way to a steamy afternoon as this week’s heat began.

Temperatures are something that performers at the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival have a close watch over as they prepare for the busy month ahead.

“We’re pretty used to adjusting to rain, heat, and even wildfires now at this point. These days, you’ve got to be ready. But plenty of water, plenty of fans—just try to keep people cool and relaxing until showtime,” Tom Ridgely, the producing artistic director with the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, said.

Launching Tuesday evening, they’ll have 24 performances in 28 days, which is not unusual for those in the arts. Nonetheless, they are still taking precautions seriously as temperatures swelter up into the 90s.

“If the mercury is above 95 or the heat index is above 105, then we’ll wait for it to cool off,” Ridgely said.

Meanwhile, in Maryland Heights, people are beating the heat by staying cool in the pool.

“When we saw the rain this morning, we were all disappointed and then when it cleared out, we wanted to head over here,” Pat Bradford, who was visiting Aquaport with her family, said.

And a dip in the water is just what was needed for this family visiting for the first time.

“I hate the heat because I usually play a lot of soccer games and baseball games in the heat and that’s just so annoying,” 11-year-old Louden Burkhart said.

Aquaport is expecting bigger than normal crowds in the coming days as temperatures soar and plans to keep employees and patrons safe and cool under the scorching sun.

“Our biggest thing is making sure that everybody’s taking breaks. Especially our staff, making sure they’re drinking enough water. We just want to make sure that people are staying hydrated,” Caitlin Morrison of Aquaport said. “Especially when it gets hot, a lot of people think they don’t have to eat or drink anything, and that’s really, really important. And also putting that sunscreen on.”

Morrison mentioned hydration is a main reason Aquaport has water coolers all over the park and provides ice as well, just wanting everyone to stay safe.

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