By Ian M. Lange

Special to the Weekly

Consider starting this special Fourth of July by participating in the annual Lopez Lions Club Fun Run/Walk. At the same time you are exercising, you are also benefiting our community because ALL entrance fees go back to the community.

The 36th annual run/walk event will have electronically timed 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) and 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) runs, a timed 5-kilometer walk and a one mile family romp. There is a distance that works for everyone. All runs and walks begin promptly at 8:30 a.m., starting and ending at Islanders Bank in the Village. Race results will be available within minutes of your finish. There is same-day registration between 7 and 8 a.m., on July 4. But why wait until the 4th when with pre registration, a beautiful, commemorative red shirt and cap can be purchased between noon and 4 p.m. at the Lopez Village Market on July 2 and 3. You can also go to www.lopezisland.com/lionsfunrun.htm to register. By registering early you also save money and avoid the crowds. Pre-registration is $25 with a T-shirt ($20 if under 12 years old), $15 without a shirt ($10 if under 12 years old). Race day registration is $5 more, and the T-shirt selection is more limited.

Help the Lions Club aid local organizations through your participation. Benefiting organizations include: the Family Resource Center, Vision and Hearing Assistance, Prevention Coalition, Cemetery Association and Lopez School Programs and Trips. The Lions Club also sponsors the Fourth of July parade, the Christmas Ship, and periodic food and blood drives. Questions? Email me at ianlange@rockisland.com or Jerry Hancock at jerryhancock@rockisland.com.

Let’s surpass our 2014 records of 510 participants and over $6,000 in revenue.