Dust off your running or walking shoes and get ready for the 30th annual Lopez Lions-sponsored 4th of July road event starting at 8:30 a.m. in the village. If you have never participated before not only will you get exercise and see friends, but you will help benefit Lopez community organizations while warming up for viewing the parade which follows. You may engage in a 10 km (6.2 mile) run, a 5 km (3.1 mile) run, or a 5 km walk. Prizes will be awarded to top place finishers in 7 age group categories, and once again you may purchase a beautiful tee shirt.

Last year the run/walk netted over $3,000. We hope to top $4,000 this year! Lions Club-generated proceeds have gone to over 18 non-profits through the years. They include Lopez School District programs and trips, vision assistance, the Lopez Family Resource Center, the Cemetery Association, and substance abuse prevention.

This year’s 4th of July parade theme is “Lopez Stories.” The art work on the “Fun Run” tee shirt is a photograph of a 1949 Dodge pick up truck parked in Lopez Pioneer Betty Hastin’s field.

Betty was given the truck by her father Arthur Norman, so she could drive over to visit. The only vehicle owned by Betty and Uncle Phil at the time was a cattle truck. And, according to Betty, the cattle truck was a little hard to drive and wound up in the ditch more than once. The 1949 Dodge was parked in the late 1960’s and now has a tree growing out of the pick up bed.

Everything is ready for the run/walk as we wait for the 4th of July to arrive and you and your guests to sign up. Registration forms with additional details may be found on bulletin boards at the Lopez Village Market and Holly B’s Bakery. Registration and tee shirt pick up will take place July 2 and 3 at the Market from noon to 4 p.m., and from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. at the Community Center July 4. We hope to see you on the 4th!