This year’s race generated about 25 teams — about 100 participants. Proceeds from the event support Fairfield Prevention Coalition’s mission: to create a safe, health and drug-free community.
Deb Neyer, the coalition’s executive director, described the event as “a good time for a good cause.”
“We’re hoping to grow it and double the size next year,” Neyer said.
MORE: Here’s what will replace the McDonald’s demolished this month in Fairfield
Brian and Barbara Begley, who volunteered to staff the “shave a balloon” table as 17-year-old daughter Kaitlyn participated in the event, said the race provided great community involvement.
“It’s a great event for the community to come on out and have some fun and support a great cause,” Brian Begley said. “The coalition does a great job of using peer support as a method to … raise awareness and discourage drug use and alcohol use among the kids of the community.”
Barbara Begley agreed. “It’s just a great time for them (and they) spend with their friends and get involved with other people in the community,” she said.
MORE: This new piece of artwork at Jungle Jim’s is made entirely from jelly beans
Prizes were awarded to the top three teams, as were additional spirit awards for those “enthusiastic teams” that dressed up and had fun.
An after-party featured a deejay, food trucks with food for purchase, and ice cream.
The winning team was “Grandma’s Girls,” a team consisting of Kaitlyn “KK” Begley, Sierra King, Abby Halsey and Matt Grammel. The girls are all high school Fairfield Youth Coalition members and Grammel is a freshman at Miami University Regionals.
MORE: ‘Street Smart’ drug program an eye-opener for many in Fairfield
“Doing something for a club that has done so much for me is a great way to give back,” King said.
The event is a fun way to be competitive with friends, Kaitlyn Begley said.
“I did it last year and it was really fun so I wanted to come back and do it again,” Halsey said. “I wanted to be the one that won.”
For more information about the coalition, visit www.FairfieldCoalition.org.
About the Author
