Freedom 5k Fun Run is Tuesday in Gardnerville

Main Street Gardnerville (mainstreetgardnerville.org) hosts their 10th annual Freedom 5K Fun Run 8-10 a.m. July 4 from at Heritage Park, 1447 Courthouse Alley in Gardnerville.

This is a family friendly event, and runners, joggers, walkers, and strollers are all are welcome. The Douglas County Sheriff Mounted Posse will present the colors, and the national anthem will be sung by a local student.

Participants are encouraged to dress in patriotic colors for a chance to win prizes. Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers, and all runners receive a medal.

Blanhir Bakery will offer a no-host breakfast following the fun run, and the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra (cvpops.org) performs patriotic songs starting at 11:30 a.m. The concert is free courtesy of the Town of Gardnerville.

Pre-registration is $25 for runners age 11 and older and $20 for military service members and veterans. Participants age 10 and under are free. The virtual race option is $25. To register online, visit runsignup.com/Race/NV/Gardnerville/Freedom5KFunRun2021 no later than July 3 at 3 p.m.

Day-of-event registrations are $35 and available starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. The race begins at 8 a.m. rain or shine.

The Freedom 5k run is the primary fundraiser for a local Wreaths Across America event, which takes place December 16 this year in coordination with an annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and other cemeteries throughout the nation.

MSG Program Director Jen Nalder said $5 from each fun run registration helps purchase wreaths that will be placed on headstones to honor the 225 veterans laid to rest at Garden Cemetery.

The Wreaths Across America mission is to Remember, Honor, and Teach (Remember our fallen US veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach children the value of freedom). The national nonprofit’s 2023 theme is “Serve and Succeed.” For more information, visit the Wreaths Across America website at wreathsacrossamerica.org/.

Project Prom seeks sponsorships

Project Prom of Northern Nevada (projectpromofnonv.com/) hosts their 3rd annual elegant evening event for developmentally disabled adults in Douglas County and surrounding areas on September 9 at the Douglas County Community Center. This year’s theme is “A Night Under the Sea.”

PPNN began as a Community Project by the 2021 Leadership Douglas County class through the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce (carsonvalleynv.org/leadership-douglas-county/). The prom was so well received it evolved into a legacy event that’s now held annually.

After participating in the 2021 Leadership Douglas County class, local residents Michelle Brown and Courtney Moore formed the PPNN 501(c)3 organization, which they run voluntarily. PPNN is seeking sponsorships and raffle prize donations for the upcoming September dance; visit form.jotform.com/231726069012046 for more information.

“Being part of such a wonderful community and working on several non-profit boards over the years has given me the drive to begin my own (organization),” PPNN President Michelle Brown said. “After having the opportunity to work closely with an amazing group of people, (discovering) a new-found ambition, and an incredible business partner, PPNN was born. Courtney and I are looking forward to creating many unforgettable memories for our self-advocates and their guests.”

As in years past, members of the Kiwanis Aktion Club of Carson Valley will sell cold refreshments at the Town of Minden’s 4th of July BBQ, with proceeds benefitting the September 9 prom. The Town of Minden’s Independence Day celebration takes place at Minden Park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and features complimentary burgers and hot dogs, a bike parade, bounce house, splash pad, and music. Call 775-782-5976 for more information.

Kiwanis International is a service organization dedicated to “Improving the world one child and one community at a time” (kiwanis.org). The mission of Aktion Club is “to provide adults living with disabilities an opportunity to develop initiative, leadership skills, and to serve their communities” (aktionclub.org).

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.