Summer Sizzle lived up to its name Saturday as the hot sun beat down on those who had chosen to brave the temperatures to enjoy the classic sounds of Doc Rock and the Remedies, on the parking lot at The Scioto County Welcome Center.

The afternoon began with the hottest workout in America, Zumba, a favorite of regular attendees at SOMC Life Center. The choreographed program set to music is purported to work every part of the body, and is one of those exercises that emphasizes fun.

Perspiration poured off of those who had just completed the workout.

Those who had a little less heat in mind moved to inside the Welcome Center.

That’s where food was being served and crafts were on display, including items to be auctioned off.

Summer Sizzle is sponsored by P.A.L.S., Portsmouth Area Ladies, Inc.

“It’s a little different,” said P.A.L.S. member Tami Davis. “We started out here three years ago with Summer Sizzle, and we moved to the (SOMC) Friends Center last year, but we decided to move it back here this year, because we thought this was a better location.”

Davis said entertainment was scheduled for the entire day, and this year P.A.L.S. was teaming up with Rotary to stage the event to raise money for area food banks.

“All the food pantries are going to be benefitting from today, and we going to do what we can to help them,” Davis said.

Davis said there is a reason they chose the area food pantries to be the beneficiaries of the days proceeds.

“We thought, with the economy, and the way things are as far as food prices, gas prices, they need the help from the community,” Davis said. “To help the less fortunate, and that is what we are here for.”

Davis was asked what events are ahead for P.A.L.S.

“We just do events as they are needed,” Davis said. “We don’t have any set events other than this one right now. I do know the yard sale is coming up in September, and other than that, it is just as people need funding we try to raise the money for them.”

Frank Lewis may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.