BROWNSDALE — Playing firefighter is harder than it looks.

Children waited on a street curb Saturday afternoon for their chance to take the ultimate challenge — Kids’ Water Wars.

Organized by the Brownsdale Volunteer Fire Department for Brownsdale Fest, the event pits two teams of two kids against each other, using hoses to push a hanging kettle the furthest.

Jake Risius, 7, of Brownsdale, donned a captain’s helmet in preparation for the Water Wars; instead of the standard goggles, his shield protected his eyes from the spraying water.

He said he was going to win this year because “I won by myself last year.”

Eleven-year-old Shawn Chambers, of Brownsdale, said the secret is to “hit the metal thing.”

“Two years ago, I won,” he said confidently.

Ryley Blomquist, 9, of Austin, was a Water Wars greenhorn.

“I won the tractor pull,” she pointed out.

Participants received a “Brownsdale Jr. Firefighter” Frisbee.

Brownsdale Fest, which ran from Friday through Sunday, scheduled a car show with trophy prizes; a beer garden with snack bar; a silent basket auction; karaoke contest; pancake breakfast, giant inflatable games and toys; carnival games; a kids’ pedal pull; a dance with the Circuit Breakers; the 4H Red Rock Rangers 5K Run Walk; and the popular bean bag tournament.

Thirty-six teams participated in the tournament, with $305 awarded for first place; $200 for second; $125 for third; and $40 for fourth.