Fun on tap this weekend in South Elgin
Saturday morning could be the last time you can run the 7K Harvest Hustle in South Elgin.
The fourth annual run, walk and fundraiser will continue on next year, but in 2009 it could be either a 5K or 10K run, depending on feedback from participants and the village's parks and recreation department staff.
"We were just trying to be unique and different when we chose the 7K," said Kim Wascher, superintendent of parks and recreation. "If you're trying to challenge yourself to get to the 10K mark, this is the race for you."
The event last year netted $1,200 for youth scholarship programs, even though attendance was slightly lower because of an abnormally hot and humid weekend.
Wascher said the FUNdation, a not-for-profit group created in November 2004 that organizes the race, hopes to double 2008's amount.
Bill DiFulvio, village trustee and chairman of the special events committee, said raising money is important, but so it getting the FUNdation's name out there showing it values open space and giving back to the community.
He believes the length of the run and the course have helped make the Hustle a success.
"We've been told by some of the participants since the first year it's a unique course. They like the course and don't want us to change it," DiFulvio said.
Wascher said many participants register on race day. More than 200 are expected on Saturday. The races begins at 8 a.m. and also includes a 2K fun walk.
For details or to register in advance, call (847) 622-0003 or visit signmeup.com.
To help participants, families and residents get into the fall season, the annual Fall Festival will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at County Park on Water Street, south of State Street. It will feature pony and hay rides, a bake sale, Touch-A-Truck and the much-anticipated pumpkin patch with gourds sold for $1, $2 or $3.
"We've held that price for seven years," Wascher said.
7K Harvest Hustle
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4
Where: Water and State streets, South Elgin
Info: (847) 622-0003