Submitted by Ian Lange

The Lopez TAP 19 show was, as usual, a huge success! Now replace those tappers with running/walking shoes for the 40th annual Lopez Lions Club-sponsored early morning, pre-parade Fourth of July fun run/walk. And we mean FUN with a capital F! This annual event will, as in past years, have electronically timed 10K (6.2 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) runs, a timed 5K walk and the 1-mile family romp.

All proceeds fund community services so do yourself, family, visiting friends and the community a big favor by joining the event. All runs and walks begin promptly at 8:30 a.m., and start and end at Islanders Bank in the Village. Race results are available shortly after the finish. There is same-day registration between 7 and 8 a.m., July 4. But why wait until the Fourth when pre-registration, plus a beautiful, commemorative t-shirt utilizing a wonderful photograph by Marge McCoy taken at the Horse Drawn Farm, can be purchased between noon and 4 p.m. at the Lopez Village Market on Tuesday, July 2, and Wednesday, July 3. You can also go online at www.signmeup.com, then go to Lopez Island and complete the registration process. By registering early, you save money: preregistration is $25 with a tee shirt, ($20 if under 12 years old), $15 without a shirt ($10 if under 12 years). Race-day registration is $5 more, and the tee shirts go fast. Register early for the best selection of sizes.

Your participation will help the Lions Club aid the Lopez Island Family Resource Center, provide vision and hearing assistance, and support Lopez School programs and trips. The Lions Club also sponsors the Fourth of July parade, the Christmas Ship, as well as food and blood drives. These are but a few of the organizations and projects supported by our Lions Club.

Your participation makes a difference, and you and your family have fun while you’re at it. After all, what would the Lopez Fourth be like without the run/walk, a parade, mobs of visitors and fireworks? We hope you will join us on the Fourth.

Email Ian Lange at ianlange@rockisland.com or Jerry Hancock at jerryhancock@rockisland.com.