Fairfield’s Fantastic Race a chance to be ‘silly’ while helping kids stay drug free

Be prepared to not take yourself seriously if you participate in the second annual “Fairfield’s Fantastic Race.”

The race, presented by the Fairfield Prevention Coalition, will have a few dozen teams race — and running, or even jogging, is not required — from station to station at Fairfield’s Village Green Park on Wessel Drive either completing a task, taking a photo, recording a video or answering a question.

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“It’s a good time for a good cause,” said Deb Neyer, executive director of the prevention coalition.

And the weather will also feel like spring: low 60s with little chance of rain

There are prizes for the top three teams, but there are additional spirit awards, she said. Spirit awards are for those enthusiastic teams that dress up and have fun.

“It’s just being silly, basically, and laughing at yourself,” Neyer said. “It’s a blast, and I just hope everyone will step out of their comfort zone to try something new. It’s something different but it’s a lot of fun.”

Last year’s race had 175 people participate in the Fairfield Prevention Coalition fundraiser, and proceeds support the coalition’s mission: to create a safe, health and drug-free community.

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“I think everyone had a good time,” Neyer said of the race.

Mayor Steve Miller said the Fairfield Prevention Coalition is “an important part of the community.” The coalition puts on the after prom and drug-free programming for the prom.

“They’re an asset,” he said. “We need those groups, we need those people who make Fairfield a better community.”

Each participant 8 years and older pays a $25 entry fee — it’s free for those 7 and younger — and that gets you a T-shirt, entry into the race and access to the after party. Entries are taken up until the day of the race.

Check-in is at 1 p.m. at the former Butt Shack BBQ and Grill patio on Wessel Drive. The race starts at 2:15 p.m. at the Fairfield Lane Library veranda, and ends at 4:15 p.m. Teams need to download the free scavenger hunt app, Scavify, on any smartphone or smart device.

At the after-party, there will be a DJ, food trucks with food for purchase, and ice cream. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m.

You can register online to either participate or volunteer. For more information, visit www.FairfieldCoalition.org.

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