meet! With a girls ’ and boys ’ division for each grade, K - 5, that event brought out about a dozen participants. The current fun run format, open to all ages, has proven to be much more popular. The color powder element was added in 2017 thanks to a suggestion from the Locust Grove Middle School Leo Club. In 2021, the Orange Healthy Community Action Team became an event partner to help organize and promote Michael ’ s Mile. The support provided by the HCAT has helped make the event brighter and more colorful each year since, with additions like treats after the run and a giant inflatable starting line.
A throwback photograph from 2017’ s Michael ’ s Mile featuring its first ever (albeit much more humble) “ color cloud. ” Thanks to a suggestion from the LGMS Leo Club, this event was the first to introduce color powder!
The spirit of joy and healthy activity was certainly on display this year! The organizers extend heartfelt thanks to all of the volunteers and participants for making this event such a joy each year! We look forward to next year ’ s event.
Top Left: Many volunteers helped “ distribute ” the color powder, including Fire & EMS staff. Later, Chief Mort chuckled and remarked, “ It took four washes to get that stuff off of the uniform. ”
Top Right: Participants head towards the finish line. Clearly, they enjoyed the event. Photo Credit: Erika Zollinger
Below: The “ Color Powder Cloud, ” which starts the race, has become a fun tradition that has grown year after year.
Page 20 | June 2024
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