Violet Township’s bicentennial celebration goes into full swing this summer with the following events:
5K run/walk and historic walk
The Violet Township Bicentennial 5K Run/Walk, Kids Runs and Historic Walk will take place June 7.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the plaza beside the Pickerington – Violet Township Historical Society, 15 E. Columbus St.
At 9 a.m. runners and walkers will start their 3.2 mile run headed toward the finish line at Sycamore Creek Park. They will head west on Columbus Street, turn south on Hill Road to Opportunity Way. They will then turn east onto Opportunity Way and continue across Lockville Road and into and through the RaMar/Pickerington Hills development. They will run through the development and into Sycamore Creek Park.The final stretch runs along Sycamore Creek, ends in front of the Zeller-Smith Covered Bridge.
It is expected that the runners of the 5K will finish within 18 to 45 minutes while walkers should be finished by 10:15. Traffic will be allowed on these streets when runners are not present.
Also between 9-11 a.m. participants in the Historic Walk will begin a leisurely stroll that will take them from one place to another along an eight block course that includes 20 stops where they will learn the history and significance of each location. The Historic Walk will be finished by 1 p.m. No streets will be closed for the Historic Walk.
After the 5K Run/Walk, the 1 Mile Kids Runs and 1 Lap Fun Run for children 6 & under, will begin at Tiger Stadium at Ridgeview Junior High Stadium. Fun Run begins at approximately 10:15 a.m.
Registration fees are $20 for the 5K Run/Walk, $15 for the Kids Runs, and $10 for the Historic Walk. Fee includes a T-shirt while supplies last.
A $50 gift certificate from Second Sole will be awarded to the top man and woman. Trophies, medals or ribbons will be awarded to all finishers.
All runners in the Fun Run for 6 & under will receive a special medal.
Quilt show
A quilt show on June 21 & 22 at Lakeview Junior High School.
Heritage Days
One of the largest bicentennial celebration events of the year will be held following the community July 4 celebration, with Heritage Days on July 5 & 6 to be held from noon to 9 p.m. on July 5 and from noon to 8:30 p.m. on July 6 in Pickerington’s Victory Park. The event is a two day living-history festival that will include a frontier encampment, antique farm and lumber mill equipment, hay rides, a vintage baseball game between PYAA Coaches and the Ohio Historical Society Muffins, entertainment and food all day.
Cornhole tournament
Pickerington will host a cornhole tournament as part of the Violet Township Bicentennial Celebration Heritage Days on July 5 & 6.
Prizes of $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place will be offered. Advanced registration entry fee is $40 per team. Registration the day of the event will be $50 per team.
Sixty-four teams of two people each may compete in this single-elimination tournament. The tournament will be held at noon on July 5 at Victory Park at the corner of Lockville Road & Park Alley in Pickerington.
Registration forms may be downloaded at www.violetbicentennial.com or teams may register beginning at 11 a.m. on July 5.
Garden contest
Garden contest judging July 16-23.
Rocking chair marathon
A rocking chair marathon will be held in the Terry O’Brien Shelter House at Victory Park on July 23 at 5 p.m., in an attempt to break the "Guinness World Record. Competitors must rock for at least 36 hours to qualify for prizes; the record is 75 hours and eight minutes.
Kids’ bike rodeo
A kids’ bike rodeo, sponsored by DARE, is set for Aug. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at the New Lifestyles Family Fitness Center parking lot, 1520 Stonecreek Drive in Pickerington.
Labor Day homecoming
The bicentennial celebration will be the theme of the Pickerington Lions Club’s 60th annual Labor Day homecoming parade and fish fry. Another attempt to break a world record for attendance will be made at the community picnic to be held on Sept. 7.
Finale
Wrapping up the year-long celebration will be the bicentennial finale on Nov. 15.
Information
For information go to www.violetbicentennial.com, or contact the Violet Township Bicentennial at (614) 382-5989.
