Pettis County Gets Active This Summer

Lots of groups and organizations in our area are deciding that they want to get active. For me, that means pretty much doing anything that's off the couch. But for these busy folks, they'll be doing a lot of walking, running, exercising, and other sporty stuff!

In fact, I've noticed that there are several patterns to these type of things. When the weather warms, people like to throw Ice Cream Socials. When the weather cools, then it's a Chili Supper. And for the inbetween areas, then it's a 5k Run or Walk. Well, there's those events, and there's a little more going on. Here's the lowdown on some of them.

The Smithton Class of 2014 will have a 5k Run/Walk.

It’ll be held on Saturday, August 10 at 7:30 a.m. The registration begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Smithton City Park. Adult admission is $10 and for children the cost is $5. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants under 18 must have a parental signature. For more information contact Cynthia McMullen at 660-553-0690. They'll have these every month, and we'll keep you posted for the date of the September one.

The J.A.K.E.S. event will get kids and youth outdoors and moving with popular sports.

Young hunters and anglers will get a chance to learn or polish outdoor skills at the annual J.A.K.E.S. event 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the University of Central Missouri trap and skeet range. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is hosting the event in partnership with the Stealth Gobblers Chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The event for youths ages 8 to 17 is free but space is limited and pre-registration is required by Aug. 12. Adults must accompany youths ages 13 and under. Activities offered will include trap shooting, shotgun patterning, game calling, archery, fishing and more. Shotguns and ammunition will be provided. But youths are also encouraged to bring their shotguns and ammunition to practice for fall hunting seasons. Door prizes and lunch will be provided. The trap and skeet range is located west of 501 Road and Division Road. Missouri is a great place to hunt and fish, and this event can help families introduce youth to the outdoors or help them sharpen skills. For more information or to register, call 660-530-5500. J.A.K.E.S. stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship.

Healthy U, a health and wellness initiative, will host a Zumba class as part of its Moving 101 series.

The free program will be held on Thursday, August 15 at the St Paul’s Lutheran School Gym at 701 South Massachusetts avenue. The class is an hour long, upbeat aerobics dance class. Kids Zumba will also be available for children aged 3-12. For more information, contact Megan Webb at 660-827-0591 or email hupettiscounty@gmail.com.

The Windsor Septemberfest will begin on August 29.

They’ll have the crowning of Miss Windsor and the Wee King and Queen, a baby show, Man and Woman of the Year, a cash award game, craft shows, a Color Run, Car and Motorcycle show, Parade, Tractor Show/Pull, Peddle Pull, Pie Auction, Talent Show, and a community worship. They’ll also have live entertainment each night with local bands. For more information or a schedule visit www.windsorseptemberfest.com or call 660-351-2995 for vending/sponsorship opportunities.

The Inaugural Ridge Runner 5k Run/Walk is September 21.

The registration begins that morning at 6:30 a.m. and the run begins at 8:00 a.m. They’ll meet at the Green Ridge City Park. The 5k run will go down and back on the Katy Trail (SW), and the 2.5 Fun Walk will go down and back on the Katy Trail (NE). The registration fee is $20 and that includes a t-shirt if you register before September 9. After September 9, the registration fee is $25, and does not include a t-shirt. There will be prizes awarded, and several different divisions for runners. Pickup your forms to register at Fringe Hair Salon or at Main Street Logo. Make your checks to GRRO and mail the form and check to 31649 Hinken Road, Green Ridge 65332. All proceeds benefit the Green Ridge Recreation Organization. This is part of a bigger, day long celebration.

Are there any other runs, walks, or other active events going on? Let us know and we'll get them on our community calendar!

Walkingly yours,
Behka