Happy Little Fun Run Event Coming to Downtown Parkersburg
Enjoy an outing in downtown Parkersburg courtesy of the Parkersburg Art Center. As a supporter of the PAC, we want to help spread the word about their upcoming event. We recently met up with Jessie Siefert, Managing Director/Education Director at the PAC, to discuss their upcoming event, Happy Little Fun Run.
Tell us about the theme of the Happy Little Fun Run? Why did you choose it? The PAC Board of Trustees members, Kasey Snyder and Kelley Cartwright, came up with this idea. They both love to stay active, love the Art Center, and love Bob Ross.
How will the race work virtually?
You pre-register for the race on our website https://www.parkersburgartcenter.org/happy-little-fun-run. Register by April 30, to guarantee your requested shirt size. Race packets will be available to pick up at the PAC on May 17. Run or walk a 5K wearing your race gear and take selfies at the murals and selfie stations in downtown Parkersburg. Email your pictures to happylittlefunrun@gmail.com to be eligible for prizes. Prizes will be awarded at the end of June.
Tell us about the racecourse and its significance.
We are providing a map that will take walkers/runners past the murals and selfie stations. This is our way of bringing attention to the art that has been popping up throughout downtown Parkersburg over the past few years.
What is the entry fee and what will each participant receive for that?
The entry fee is $45. Registration for the Happy Little Fun Run will get you a virtual race kit that includes: Happy Little Fun Run shirt, custom-designed race medal made by our sponsor Blenko Glass, a hand-painted canvas tote, and a 5k race map starting and ending at the PAC (there is free parking at the Art Center).
If you are interested in participating, how do you register and what is the deadline?
We are encouraging everyone to register before April 30 so we can order the requested shirt sizes. To register, go to https://www.parkersburgartcenter.org/happy-little-fun-run and follow the prompts.
Are there any other highlights of this event you would like to share?
Join artist and photographer, Michelle Waters, on a guided tour of the downtown Parkersburg murals and selfie stations both old and new. Learn about the history and significance of the pieces and get to know our arts district a bit better. At the end of your trek, Michelle will make suggestions for local lunch on your own. This tour is an easy 2-mile walk on Saturday, May 14th from 10 a.m.- 12 noon (rain date May 21). This tour is designed for teens and adults, but younger children may join with an adult. Cost is $10 (no member discounts).
Blenko Glass and Hughes Family Chiropractic are sponsors of this family-friendly event. The Art Center is so pleased to have sponsors that support our mission and the community.
The race is a fundraiser for the PAC. Funds raised will be used to support PAC’s art education programs and to purchase supplies for children in our seven-county service area.