NORWOOD – The Wright Stuff Community Foundation is putting on what will likely become Norwood’s next signature event with its 2nd annual Community Block Party this Saturday, June 13. A fundraiser for Prime Time Early Learning Center, the event is also a celebration of community and kids.
Building from the success of last year’s 10th anniversary carnival to celebrate the founding of the Wright Stuff, this year’s event has been expanded to include events for all ages and interests, including a 5k/10k race, a parking lot sale, a kids’ fun run, live music, beer garden, barbecue, and plenty of activities for families.
Event proceeds will benefit the programs of Prime Time, which serves West End kids from ages six weeks through 12 years, by providing childcare and preschool programs, after-school programs, and summer day camps. All Prime Time programs are subsidized in an effort to keep them affordable and accessible for all families.
“We’ve always wanted to have an event that includes the entire family and saw last year’s carnival as such a success, we wanted to expand it,” said Wright Stuff Community Foundation Executive Director Andrya Brantingham. “The board of directors has worked with our Green Committee to put together the 5k/10k and we are getting registrations from as far away as Arvada. And the parking lot sale is nearly full.”
Saturday’s events will kick off with the 5k/10k race, which will take place on the county roads south of Norwood, starting and ending at the Uncompahgre Medical Center, a co-sponsor of the race. “We had hoped to have the race loop around Norwood, but it got too complicated when we realized the logistics of crossing the highway,” said race director Jen Feeser. “So this year, to keep it simple, we’re doing an out-and-back race that stays on county roads. Next year we will re-evaluate the route.”
Runners and walkers are welcome to participate in the event; registration is 7:30-8:15 a.m. and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $35 and all racers will receive a goody bag of useful products, including custom metal water bottles. Prizes, ranging from a pedicure to a two-night stay in a Telluride condo, will be awarded for several race categories.
Meanwhile, over at the Pig Palace at the San Miguel County Fairgrounds, WSCF has planned a “Lupita’s-style” parking lot sale to run in conjunction with the opening of the Norwood Farm and Craft Market. There, hungry racers will find breakfast burritos, pastries and coffee from Happy Belly Deli, along with an array of produce and crafts. Throughout the adjacent parking area there will be vendors set up selling everything from furniture and used gear to clothing and kids’ items. Prime Time will be selling clothing, toys and gear donated by parents, Black Bear Trading will have furniture and collectibles, and the fabulous Sara Doehrman will be on hand selling her coveted fairy wings and hula-hoops. The parking lot sale begins at 9 a.m. and will continue as long as vendors want to keep selling.
Kids of every age will have the opportunity to participate in the family fun run, taking place on Summit St. from its intersection with Lincoln to the Norwood Public Library and back. Run, walk, bicycle, pogo stick, pull a wagon – the sky’s the limit. Registration is $5 and the event starts at 11 a.m. All participants will receive a race medallion.
Also at 11 a.m. begins the community street party, where portions of W. Summit St. will be closed to traffic so people can mingle in the street and on the grass between the fairgrounds and the Lone Cone building. Ridgway’s Fall Baby will play live music throughout the day.
For kids, the bounce castle will be set up, along with several activities such as face painting, a lollipop pull, hula hoop making, and a pie eating contest. There will also be balloons, a visit from Smoky Bear, and the Second Chance Humane Society mobile will be on hand with adoptable dogs and cats.
A barbecue will be set up, selling burgers, chicken, beans, and chips, which can be washed down with fresh root beer donated by Smuggler’s Brewpub. Or enter the beer garden for some Colorado microbrew donated by Local Liquors and Walk-In Liquors or signature beer crafted by Smugglers, Dolores River Brewery and Ska Brewing. If that’s too rich, enjoy some classic Pabst Blue Ribbon courtesy of The Liquor Store. Schwans will also be selling $1 ice cream bars.
Circus tents, tables and bleachers will be set up throughout for families to kick back and enjoy an afternoon with their friends and neighbors. All-access wrist bands will be sold for $10, allowing unlimited access to the kids activities and a plate of barbecue. All food and beverages will also be sold separately. General entrance to the party, which will continue until 4 p.m., is free.
Other major sponsors for Saturday’s event include Alpine Bank, Red Dog Ranch, 4-R Storage, West End Pizzeria, Storage and Closet Solutions, Odle Electric, Rockin’ Beeby Enterprises, The Coach’s Mother, Clark’s Market, Culligan, Central Distributing, Happy Belly Deli, Uptown Day Spa, The Little Oasis, Telluride Mountain Lodging, US Bank and Leather and Lace.
The Town of Norwood, San Miguel County, San Miguel County Sheriff’s Department, San Miguel County Fairgrounds, Norwood Fire Department, and the Norwood Library, among others, have also contributed time, materials and manpower to help make the event possible.
“I am so excited by the prospect of this becoming our signature event every year and eliminating the smaller ‘bake sale’ type fundraisers,” said Brantingham. “I have already seen the community come together on the planning and sponsorship, that Saturday is bound to be a fun-filled day for everyone.”
So pull out those running shoes (and don’t forget your dancing shoes), grab your kids and some sunscreen, and come on out for a community-wide party. For more information, call 327-0555, ext. 11, or visit www.wrightstufffoundation.org
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