Friday night’s “drag” race has become such a highlight of the Charley Melvin festivities that this year the course will be extended to about three-fourths of the block of North Washington Avenue on the west side of the downtown square. OVERALL, registration for the Friday night 3K walk and 5K race is on track to exceed 1,000, said Kunkler. “This week is crazy,” she said of the typical last-minute registrations.
“Last year the race bordered on chaos,” said David Toland, executive director of Thrive Allen County, and a co-sponsor of the Charley Melvin along with Iola Crime Stoppers.
Hundreds of spectators crowded in on the race which ran about 50 yards. This year, the relay among teams of men fancifully dressed as women, will be longer and the arena for spectators will be extended.
“It’s going to be way bigger with six sets of bleachers,” said Damaris Kunkler, program director for Thrive. “This year spectators will have better visibility. The additional bleachers will better accommodate the crowds.”
Last year about 10 teams of four men each participated in the relay. The men exchange garters as they complete each lap. A coronation of the “queen” caps off the event.
Costumes for the men will be available at The Shirt Shop, the corner of Jackson and Broadway, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Women from the local P.E.O. organization will help men select their outfits, including hats, shoes, jewelry and purses.
The men will be encouraged to parade in their finery in the 9:30 p.m. Parade of Lights.
The drag race begins at 10:30 p.m.
“Entire families are signing up,” she said.
To register for the walk or run, visit the Thrive office at 12 W. Jackson or go to the Charley Melvin website, madbomberrun.com.
THE BELLES OF THE BALL
