EMBARK EVENT FAR FROM A WASH OUT
Saturday’s EMBARK event to celebrate the new Bluffton Road trails and sidewalks started off as what many people call “A bad hair day.” But the rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the vendors, volunteers and attendees. There were a few early brave souls who donned their ponchos and popped their umbrellas. And when the skies cleared in early afternoon, there were a lot of folks who ventured out to enjoy the event.
19 local businesses lined up on Bluffton Road between Lower Huntington and Old Trail Road and participated in a Passport program. They sported fun activities such as Name That Tool, Drinks & Ink, Wash or Mop, Cornhole, Jenga and Fish for a Prize. Other organizations hosted a Spinning Wheel, Bean Bag Toss, Face Painting, hand making Bike Streamers and Hole in One. There were freebies galore including popcorn, Sno-Cones, bottled water, Frisbees, snacks and shopping bags. As attendees visited each company, they received a punch on their Passport. The Passports were then turned in and entered to win prizes. (Check out ‘EmbarkWaynedale’ on Facebook to see the list of winners and some great photos!)
Steve Leffers joined in the fun and wrote to say “My girlfriend, Mary Parrot, and I had a great time walking along the new trail and sidewalks and seeing businesses that sometimes you don’t realize are there when you drive by because you aren’t paying attention. We met lots of new people and saw many old friends along the way. The DJ was great and the weather turned out to be quite nice after a rainy start. Thanks to the EMBARK committee for a job well done.”
In addition to the Passport program, children were encouraged to complete a scavenger hunt along the route. Those were exchanged for a fun patriotic slap bracelet. The form also boasted a coupon for a free kid’s cone from The Stand.
Bravas Food Truck and Shigs in Pit both reported steady sales that included drive by diners. DJ Diamond Dave improvised and set up equipment under an elaborate array of tents and had people dancing in the Hair Affair parking lot.
Although the Chalk Walk at Star Bank got a late start due to the rain, there were still 24 budding artists that completed drawings for several prizes once the weather cleared.
All in all, bad hair day or not, everyone who attended EMBARK gave high marks to the event. Many inquired whether we would see a repeat next year. You will just have to stay tuned to the Waynedale News to find out!
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