July 4 Fun Run helps fund memorial wreaths

Main Street Gardnerville’s 9th annual Freedom 5K Fun Run takes place 8-10 a.m. July 4 at Heritage Park, 1447 Courthouse Alley in Gardnerville.

This is a family friendly event, and runners, joggers, walkers and strollers are welcome. Prior to the run, the Douglas County Mounted Posse will present the colors, and the national anthem will be sung by local Douglas High School students.

Participants are encouraged to dress in patriotic colors and compete for the “Best Dressed” award.

“The (Freedom Fun Run) is a great event,” said Main Street Gardnerville Program Director Jen Nalder. “Everyone can participate, and it’s just a really fun way to kick off the 4th of July. I love seeing everyone (wearing) the red, white, and blue.”

Following the race, chalk art kits will be available for purchase or donation for those who want to decorate the park’s sidewalks during the Yankee Doodle Chalk Art Fest. Sunrise Bakery will be on hand with a variety of breakfast items for sale.

The Carson Valley Pops Orchestra (cvpops.org) takes the stage at 11:30 a.m. and will play a plethora of patriotic songs. This free concert is sponsored by the Town of Gardnerville.

Pre-registration cost for the fun run is $25 for runners 11 and older and $20 for military service members and veterans. Runners 10 and younger are free. Day-of-event registrations are $35, and a virtual option is available for $15.

To register online, visit runsignup.com/Race/NV/Gardnerville/Freedom5KFunRun2021. In-person registration takes place starting at 7 a.m. the day of the event, and the race begins at 8 a.m. rain or shine.

This is the fourth year Main Street Gardnerville and Wreaths Across America have partnered for the annual event, and $5 from every Freedom Fun Run registration goes toward wreath purchases that will be used during a special memorial ceremony later this year.

National Wreaths Across America Day is Dec. 17, and organizers plan to honor all 225 military veterans laid to rest at Garden Cemetery with a wreath placed at their gravesite on that day. The event is held in coordination with a special wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and other cemeteries throughout the nation.

The Wreaths Across America mission is to Remember, Honor, and Teach (Remember our fallen U.S. veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach children the value of freedom).

For more information, visit their website at wreathacrossamerica.org. Additional wreath purchases for the Dec. 17 ceremony can be made at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/159666.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.