Spring Excitement

Brice Lawrence                                                                                                                         Photo Courtesy Visitfindlay.com (fair use)         A number of recreational and inspiring events fill up Findlay’s schedule in late April. With many 5Ks on the horizon, there are a multitude of opportunities to wake up from the winter slumber and get active. One such event is the Larry Beagle Memorial 5K which will take place in Arlington on April 19. The profit from this race provides annual scholarships for Arlington students and helps maintain the school’s track. The 5K will start at 10 a.m., while the alternative Recreational 1 Mile Walk will start at 9:30 a.m.         The sixth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event will be at Riverside Park on April 26 to promote awareness of gender violence, sexual assault, and rape. A $20 registration fee will be due on the day of the event, and to qualify for first, second, or third, you must wear heels four inches or higher. If you want to be a ‘headliner’ of this event, any man or boy currently living in Hancock County will be the stars: showing their support for protection of women. Awards will be handed out after the walk, and all proceeds from the walk benefit the Open Arms in Findlay. Photo Courtesy youtube.com (fair use)         The Easter Sand Sculpture, which has captured the attention of people around the state, is back for in town for another showing at the Hancock County Fairgrounds. An impressive 300 tons of sand will be sculpted into a religious-inspired picture. The sculpture construction began on Monday, April 14 and is set to be finished on Good Friday. It is available for viewing all through Holy Week (April 13-19). A 5-day Kids’ Club takes place throughout this week at 6 p.m., teaching children Bible lessons, scripture memorization, missionary stories, songs, and other activities. April 18 will feature ventriloquist Ned Miller and Rusty at 2:30 p.m., and bands Melody Road (6-7 p.m.) and Jericho Road (7-8 p.m.) will perform. On April 19 bands Grace Notes (2:15-3:30 p.m.), Broken Grounds (3:30-4:30 p.m.), and Bill Phillips (5-7 p.m.) will perform. All events take place at the fairgrounds.         Another Backyard Mission Trip is scheduled for this year on April 26. Churches in Findlay elect to stay in Findlay to support and build up the community. Volunteers will do yard work, paint, and make house repairs for the community. If you would like to be a volunteer, or know a family in need of house repairs, you can call Becky Greeno at 419-424-7466, or you can visit the Central Church of Christ at 307 East Hardin Street and talk to Matt Hayden, or talk to Chris Schultz of Trinity Episcopal Church at 128 West Hardin Street.         If your spring schedule isn’t full already with things to do outside, these activities will be sure to fill the rest of your schedule.