Color it FUN
Published 8:28 am Tuesday, September 30, 2014
- Heart of Grant County executive director Shelly Whale (left) and victim advocate Sophia Nicodemus test out the colored powder that will be thrown at participants during Heart's upcoming “Color Me Free” Fun Run. The family-friendly community event will be held, rain or shine, Saturday, Oct. 4, at Grant County Industrial Park in John Day.
JOHN DAY – It’s not often that you get permission to throw things at people.
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But that’s exactly what will be encouraged at Heart of Grant County’s upcoming “Color Me Free” Fun Run, Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Grant County Industrial Park in John Day.
Start time is 10 a.m. for the event, which kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Individuals, organizations and families are all welcome to participate in the community event
The cost is $15 a person, or $30 per household family. The fee includes a plain white T-shirt and a tote bag filled with goodies such as a headband, water bottle, color pack and magnet.
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There’s no charge for children ages 5 and under.
The event is comprised of three laps – each approximately a mile – around the Industrial Park loop. People who don’t run or don’t think they can finish three miles, don’t have to. Walking and dancing are fine, as is completing any part of the route.
And here’s the “color” part: Volunteers will be positioned at stations along the way, ready to throw colored powder on participants – who also get to douse each other from the packets they are given.
Organizers say the powder is nontoxic and nonstaining colored cornstarch made by Hippie Powder, a Nevada manufacturer.
Heart staff suggest bringing baby wipes or a towel and a change of clothes, or at least something to cover the seat of your car for the trip home afterward.
And while the powder is nonstaining, people are advised to wear old duds. On the other hand, for those who want to preserve the color on their clothing as a keepsake from the event, washing the item(s) in vinegar might help set the color, according to Heart staff.
Those with respiratory problems should consult their doctor first, and good advice for everyone is to wear sunglasses and a bandanna or face mask during the run.
A complete list of tips and precautions is included with the registration forms, which are available at Heart of Grant County, and may be turned in, with payment, there or at Java Jungle in John Day.
Participants’ names will be entered in a drawing for several door prizes: two tickets to the Portland Zoo, $10 gift certificates from John Day Dairy Queen and John Day Floral, a style and cut at Cloud 9 in John Day, and dinner certificates at 1188 Brewing Company and the Snaffle Bit.
Music will be broadcast to provide an entertaining and upbeat atmosphere, and portable toilets will be available. Volunteers are needed to throw colored powder, and help with set-up and cleanup.
The event promotes awareness of available services for those who are survivors of violence and sexual abuse. All profits will be used for Heart of Grant County’s emergency services and community outreach events.
For more information, call Heart of Grant County at 541-575-4355, or visit “Color Me Free” Fun Run on Facebook.