Bay BridgeFest 2009 Gets a Running Start

Runners, walkers and families looking for outdoor fun will find plenty of fitness activities to kick off Bay BridgeFest 2009 on Saturday, May 16th.

For competitive runners, a 5k run begins at 8:30 am. The route starts at the Pass Christian side of the Bay Bridge, crosses the bridge and then leads into Old Town, ending at the Mockingbird Café, 220 S. Second St. Awards will be presented at the Run/Walk celebration at the Café. The main Bay Bridgefest activities will follow in Old Town, beginning at 11am and lasting to 8pm.

Fit First health club is sponsoring the 2009 run. Owner and race organizer, Helene Johnson, said that runners may pre-register or register the morning of the event beginning at 7:30am. Johnson explained that 78 medallion prizes will be awarded to the top runners in each category.

“This is a great combination of fitness and fun,” Johnson said. “Runners don’t have to deal with traffic, they’re by the water breathing fresh air and enjoying a view that gives you peace of mind.”

A BridgeFest ArtWalk has been added to the line-up this year, beginning at 10am at the base of the Bridge in Bay St. Louis. The route will follow the beach road into Old Town, joining the after-run festivities at the Mockingbird Café.

Suzanne Cotter, class director for Total Body Fitness - which is sponsoring the ArtWalk - is organizer for the event. She noted that the walk route is just over a mile, making it easy for people of any fitness level to join in the fun.

“We’re hoping to get a lot of families, “ Cotter said. “It’s not a far distance and anyone can do it. Bring your strollers and even wheelchairs if you have to!”

Cotter continued, “We’ll have a band that will lead us and all the walkers will have flags to wave, so we’ll put on a bit of a show as we walk through town.”

The public is invited to observe both events and to attend a special bridge naming ceremony at 9:30am. The Mississippi Department of Transportation is hosting the formal dedication of the bridge to the memory of Leo W. Seal, Jr. Several officials will be making comments on stage at the foot of the bridge before a plaque in Seal’s honor is presented.

The registration fee for both the 5k Run and the Artwalk is $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Each registered participant will receive a souvenir t-shirt. Registration forms can be obtained at Fit First, Total Body Fitness or the offices of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re hoping the whole community joins us for a really memorable event,” said Cotter. “It’s fun to get out and walk. But it’s even more fun to walk AND talk with family, friends and neighbors.”

For more information, contact the Hancock Chamber offices at 228-467-9048.
 

Bridgefest 2009 is sponsored by Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, City of Bay St. Louis, Hancock County Board of Supervisors, City of Waveland, Hollywood Casino, Silver Slipper Casino, Coast Transit Authority, Sun Herald Multi Media, The Sea Coast Echo, South Mississippi Living, and the MS Department of Transportation.

Listing of All BridgeFest Pages:

Bridgefest Artists

BridgeFest Art Village

BridgeFest Artwalk

BridgeFest Bay Café

BridgeFest Family Art (Artrageous!)

BridgeFest Family Fun

BridgeFest Letter from the Mayor

BridgeFest Letter from the President

BridgeFest Music Line-Up

BridgeFest Official Poster / Art Auction

BridgeFest Run / Walk

BridgeFest Salutes the Military

BridgeFest Schedule of Events

BridgeFest Vendors