Join NOCO for films, discussion forums & a 5K
Shannon Howard | Jan 08, 2010 | Comments 4
Come to the Jamestown Bluffs library next Wednesday for one of three upcoming events co-sponsored by NOCO.
Join me and other North County residents for a lively discussion on current events and local news, the second Wednesday of every month at the Jamestown Bluffs library. “Neighborhood Newshounds” is a new adult program created by the library staff, and all are invited to participate in this free, informal gathering, which kicks off next Wednesday, January 13, from 2-3pm.
Pre-registration is preferred but not absolutely necessary. Ages 18 and older, please. To sign up or for more information, visit St. Louis County Library’s event calendar. Jamestown Bluffs is located at 4153 N. Lindbergh, 63031.
In the coming months, NOCO is also helping to sponsor two other fun events: the Live Well Ferguson Twilight 5K and a film series hosted by EarthDance Farms. I can’t share many details about the film series yet, except to say that it will feature thought-provoking movies on the subjects of food and farming, but I can tell you more about the 5K.
Hosted by Live Well Ferguson, an organization whose mission is to encourage local residents to lead healthier, more active lives, the event is an extension of Ferguson’s popular Sunday Parkways program and is being spearheaded by Ferguson city councilman Dwayne James. Scheduled for May 15, 2010, it promises to be a full evening of exciting activities, and everyone – regardless of their fitness level – is encouraged to come on down.
At 5pm, there will be a one-mile fun run/walk, open to families, kids, stroller joggers and even dogs. Then at 6pm, both runners and walkers are challenged to participate in the inaugural Twilight 5K, which features professional timing by Big River Running and a USATF-certified course through Ferguson’s beautiful historic neighborhoods. We’ll have a photographer stationed at the finish line so your moment of sweaty glory can be preserved forever. But fear not – there’s also free beer!
Following the 5K, everyone (even those who don’t race) can enjoy a live concert at the newly built “Plaza at 501″ on S. Florissant Road, as well as beer tastings courtesy of Ray Hill’s. All race participants will also get a prize and a snazzy t-shirt (designed by moi), while first-place 5K finishers will win a pair of new running shoes and a trophy.
Sponsors are still needed for this great community event, which will hopefully showcase Ferguson’s unique beauty and reinforce the awesome mission of Live Well Ferguson. And of course, we need racers! Lots of them.
If I can drag my out-of-shape writer’s bum 3.2 miles, so can you! So please, check out the Twilight 5K website and sign up today! Early registration is just $5-15, depending on your age and which race you participate in. There’s even a discount for families.
Filed Under: Community
What a happy idea. If only Ferguson would look to the greater calendar of our community at large and realize that the third weekend in May always holds the competition of the Japanese Festival at the Garden, Faust Park art show, the nationally recognized Belleville Art Fair, a hot air festival, and so much more. Not to mention that anyone on the town wide Ferguson Garage sale will be wiped out from the early morning preparations.
Thanks Ann for the comment. And we really tried to pick a weekend that was free and clear but with so many great things going on in North County and the St. Louis area, it was hard to find one that was totally free. The 3rd weekend in May turned out to be the best weekend with the thought that maybe pulling people into Ferguson to pick up race packets will also draw them in to the Ferguson Garage sale. We can only hope and learn for next year! Thanks again for the comment, interest, and feedback.
Also, our event doesn’t start until 5pm, with our premier race at 6pm. Hopefully, people can attend one of the other events Ann mentioned during the day and then come to Ferguson at twilight.
What a great idea! I wouldn’t worry about it being a busy weekend… I think the majority of North Countians will like the idea of supporting their own NOCO community and sticking close to home… vs. driving across town or across the bridge. Most true die-hard garage sellers & shoppers are finished by 12noon anyway. Plenty of time to recoup for the next event! So get ready NOCO for a day full of family, friends & FUN!!!!