Fall is in the air, bringing with it a busy weekend. In addition to all the regular September outdoor activities in the area we have Ohio’s largest free Air Show, a 5k run/walk to honor a fallen firefighter, a poker run to raise money for Vinton County Developmental Disabilities and a car and motorcycle show to benefit Vinton County Track and Field.
PHEW! I’m tired just thinking about all the fun we can have this weekend! Here’s the scoop on what’s happening.
Second annual Firefighter Ryan Seitz Memorial 5k run/walk, September 15 The Vinton County Jaycees will hold this event to honor Ryan Seitz, a volunteer firefighter in McArthur, who was killed in September 2010 while fighting a brush fire that was threatening the village of Londonderry. The Ryan Seitz Memorial Fund was established to provide college scholarships to local students. The event will start and finish near the McArthur Fire Department, with the course running through the village of McArthur. Awards will be available for participants who want to run the 5K course. They will go to two overall winners and the first and second place man and woman in each age division. Divisions are ages 10 to 17, ages 18 to 39 and ages 40 and older. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and costs $15, with the run/walk beginning at 9 a.m. Refreshments will be available for event participant and an awards ceremony will follow the race. For information call 740-988-0750 or email vintoncountyjaycess@hotmail.com. Tom’s Run, September 15 at 11 a.m.
Tom’s Run, September 15 The sixth annual Tom’s Run Poker Run will be held Saturday, September 15. First bikes will leave McArthur SuperValu at 11 a.m. The route winds through southern Ohio, enjoying the scenery and winding roads. The route ends at Vinton County Board of DD, where there will be food, raffles, and prizes. “The first poker run in 2007 demonstrated the community’s commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in Vinton County. We hope this year more people will join us. This ride is a memorial to Tom Ferguson. He believed that one person can make a difference in the lives of many” says Craig Fetherolf, one of the ride organizers. All proceeds from the event will provide opportunities for the consumers of Vinton Industries and Vinton County Board of DD to enrich their lives with social events, field trips and even basic necessities like utility assistance. Vinton Industries offers an environment to help people with disabilities enter the work force. Vinton County Board of DD provides support services to those consumers and others in Vinton County. Together, the two organizations work to help those with disabilities enjoy full lives. Tickets are $10 each per rider ($10 per passenger). For more information, call 596-2249 or email tomsrunfoundation@gmail.com.
Vinton County Car/ Motorcycle Show, Sept. 15 The first annual Vinton County Car and Motorcycle Show will be held on September 15 at the Vinton County High School parking lot. Registration is set from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. The fee is $10. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Vinton County High School track and field program. The event will include music and raffles, along with food and concessions, including a bean dinner. A pie auction is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. No alcoholic beverages or glass bottles are permitted. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. in the following categories: Best of Show, Best Ford, Best Chevy, Best Mopar, Best GM, Top 20 Pre-1985, Top 10 1985 and Newer; and Best Motorcycle For more information, please contact Jon Lindner, Vinton County High School track and field coach, at (740) 591-0375.
Vinton County Air Show, September 16 The Vinton County Air Show, Ohio’s largest free air show, will be held at the Vinton County Airport, 6 miles north of McArthur, just off St. Rt. 93 on Airport Road, on September 16. The airport’s legendary BBQ chicken dinners with all the fixings will be ready to serve at 11 a.m. The air show will begin at 1 p.m. with a performance by the Vinton County High School Band and members of the airport’s Screaming Chicken Skydiving Team will thrill the crowd as they float to the ground. There will be lots of airplanes in the sky during the day, big planes and RC models, and there are always a few surprises as the day moves forward. Near the end of the air show, there will be a candy drop for the kids. There will be vendors on site and the Red Cross will have a blood drive during the day. The Vinton County Band Boosters will sell a variety of sandwiches and cold drinks. A $10 donation for parking will be requested at both gates. There is no additional charge to see the air show. Once the show is over, pilots from the Vinton County Pilots and Boosters Association will offer airplane rides. It is recommended you purchase ride tickets early since the ride line gets longer as the day goes on. For more information, call Booster President Nick Rupert at 740-357-0268 or Booster Secretary Steve Keller at 740-418-2612.