by Paula Easton, Kelley Halter, and Erin Grizone
After being canceled for two years due to Covid, we are back! The 23rd Annual Waterford Fall Foliage Road Race, 5K Fitness Walk, and One Mile Fun Run takes place on Sunday, October 9, on the Waterford Common. The event also includes a Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by the Waterford/Harrison P.T.O.
The one-mile Fun Run for ages 12 & under starts at 11:30 and is FREE for all kids. The 5K Race starts at 12 noon. The race is a challenging, scenic, “out & back” course along Route 35/37 (alongside Keoka Lake), up Sweden Road, and back to the Common.
Funds raised benefit the Tony Waldeier Scholarship Fund to support students in furthering their education. This scholarship was created in memory of Tony, to honor an amazing, unforgettable teacher/principal who loved sharing his enthusiasm for learning. He had a great love of nature and people, for 28 years teaching in a unique, creative, and caring style at the Waterford Elementary School. A mentor and friend to all ages.
Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students, with priority given to students from Waterford who attend Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. To date, the scholarship fund has given over 107 scholarships totaling $80,000. This long- standing, community-supported event in town draws upwards of 300 participants, including runners, Race volunteers, sponsors and Chili Cook-Off contestants, their families, and chili “samplers.”
The Race registration fee is $20 prior to the race and $25 on race day. Registration information is available at www.waterfordfall5K.com or Facebook.com/Fall5K. For more information contact Roxanne Ames at 207-583-2603.
The Chili Cook-off Competition benefits the Harrison/Waterford PTO. There is no fee to enter your chili, and the fee for tasting is $5. Contact harrisonwaterfordpto@gmail.com to enter your chili. If you are interested in volunteering on race day, contact Jane Traill 207-393-7591.
See you there!