Run, walk, stroll for safer streets in Bluffton
Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 30, for the Town of Bluffton’s Independence Day Celebration. This year, the Town will host a 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. at Martin Family Park to kick off the day of events. The Stay Safe, Bluffton! scholarship fund will benefit from the proceeds. Since 2019, the town has awarded $1,000 scholarships to four students each year who are safe-driving ambassadors in their schools and peer groups.
The Town began this campaign due to people of all ages suffering the loss of their license, mobility, or even their lives as a result of distracted driving. In our small town, these tragic incidents frequently leave our community broken-hearted. The town designed this campaign to reach newer drivers in hopes they will start their driving careers being mindful and careful drivers.
We hope hundreds of residents will join us with this fun event and contribute to the collective mindset of being aware of how our driving affects ourselves and our neighbors. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to kickstart your Independence Day, this 5K race offers you a way to join your friends and neighbors for a cup of coffee and a healthy run, jog, walk or stroller to start this eventful day.
Dogs and strollers are welcome, and awards are given for each age category. There is even a canine award for the fastest dog-owner team. Starting this year, the top female and male winners will also be awarded space on the Mayor’s Cup, a new trophy that will reside in Town Hall. This year’s winners will begin this tradition.
If you are interested in signing up, please register online at palmettorunningcompany.com and click on Events. Scroll down to Bluffton’s Independence Day 5K.
In addition to participants, the town is also seeking sponsors for this race. If your business or organization is interested in supporting safe driving, please contact Lyndee Simoneaux, special events manager, at lsimoneaux@townofbluffton.com or (843) 540-1662. There are three categories for sponsors: Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500), and Bronze ($250).
Following the 5K race, I hope you will come back to the Historic District at 5 p.m. for hours of festivities. The Independence Day celebration will begin at Martin and DuBois Parks with games, prizes, food trucks, rock wall, bounce houses, and more. For the second year, a brass band called Dirty Boots from Parris Island will wow the crowd as they play spirited jazz music, strolling through the two parks.
The party will last until 9 p.m. The fireworks display will begin shortly after 9 p.m. The fireworks are visible from Wright Family Park, Oyster Factory Park or by boat in the May River.
The Town is proud to host its third annual Independence Day celebration. I hope to see you at the starting line and throughout the day as we celebrate this holiday and declare our independence from distracted driving.
