5K Run/Walk to Be Highlight of Family Weekend

A 5K run/walk will be a highlight of the Oct. 19-20 Family Weekend celebrations in Hellertown, according to organizers, who are currently finalizing plans.

The Family Weekend is being held in conjunction with the Four-County Fireman's Parade that will march down Main Street, Hellertown, on Sunday, Oct. 20—the same day as the annual Saucon Valley Spirit Parade.

The massive parade is supposed to kick off at 2 p.m. and is expected to include as many as 200 fire and emergency vehicles from as far away as Kempton, Berks County, and from all throughout Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe and Carbon counties.

An antique fire truck exhibit being organized by Dewey Fire Co. No. 1 member Ron Smith, a 5 or 15-mile Bicycle Challenge, and a fireworks display set to music will be other highlights of the weekend, organizer Dave Heintzelman said at a recent planning meeting.

"It's going to be completely different," Heintzelman said of the fireworks show. "It should be a phenomenal draw for people."

Heintzelman said area residents who plan to participate in the Saturday, Oct. 19 5K run/walk should take advantage of an opportunity to receive free training for the race, which is being offered by Jason Fisher, a certified personal trainer.

The free training sessions will begin Saturday, Aug. 10 at 8 a.m. in Dimmick Park, Hellertown.

There is a $20 fee to register for the 5K run/walk, which will include the cost of a t-shirt, a ticket for a drawing and refreshments after the untimed race.

The 5K will be held rain or shine, and proceeds will benefit the Saucon Valley Spirit Parade and Family Weekend festivities.

Checks should be made payable to "SV Spirit Parade" and mailed—along with a registration form that's available for download online—to FAMILY WEEKEND/SV SPIRIT PARADE, 326 Main St., Hellertown, PA 18055.

Race pre-registrations that guarantee the participant a t-shirt in advance are due Sept. 6, however day-of-race registration will be available.

For more information about all the events planned for Family Weekend, including the 5K, visit www.svspirit.weebly.com or call 610-838-0521.

More information about the free training opportunity being offered by Fisher, of Hellertown, is available via his No Quarter Training Facebook page.