A beautiful fall picture was painted in the park with 121
runners/walkers for the historic first annual Montezuma Aqueduct 5K held
October 12, 2013. As runners and walkers entered the park from Chapman Road,
they stepped back in time glancing at of pieces of history along five different
trails nestled in wooded areas along the scenic Seneca River/Erie Canal.
Almost a year of planning went into the event with a
tremendous amount of team effort to benefit the Montezuma Heritage Park.
Volunteers also spent countless hours grooming the trails and making
sure the course was marked and safe as possible. My husband Stan, built this bridge with supplies donated by 84 Lumber and Banner Doors, across a small brook on
the Seneca River Trail, and installed it with the help of Dave Calvin and John
Potter.
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Our MC for the day was Bryan Rubenau from Baldwinsville
announcing the kick off of the race and cheering the participants as they
returned to the finish line along the Byron Lapp Memorial Trail.
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The overall top winner was Tyler McDevitt of Syracuse in
20:26 minutes.
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We also want to recognize that the small business community
is what came through for us to make this event possible. Small business is what helps keep a community alive and
growing. By their willingness to partner and invest with us, they contributed
to enriching the life of our community to bring about this event. Below are the major sponsors of the event.
Of course, the shining star of the day was Jacob, a
miniature donkey on loan to us by his owners, Sally and Cam Stuart of Throop.
We all fell in love with Jacob. He played Sal the Mule for the day,
representing the mules that pulled the boats along the towpath He seemed to know
how to make everyone smile and when to let out a bellow just at the right time
– even at the start of the race.
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To set the tone for the race, we had two local bands that
donated their time to entertain us and cheer the participants on. Lock 52 Band,
led by Dave Thomas started the race off.
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As the last of the adults came in, the Kids Fun Race was
kicked off by Director, Angie Hargreaves, Athletics teacher at Port Byron Central
School.
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A couple of our young finishers are cheered onto crossing the finish line!
Later on, we were able to celebrate the finish of the race
following the Awards Ceremony with a delicious Chicken BBQ Dinner made by the
VFW while listening to the Flock of Free Range Children led by Ron VanNostrand.
Co-Director, Margaret Sullivan relaxes and joins the band for a song as the
day's festivities wind down.
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To round out the day as a fun family event, the kids enjoyed
a Bouncie House provided by Funtastic Inflatables. Volunteer PBCS students gave
their artistic talents for face painting.
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Probably the youngest person at the event was Co-Race
Director Kristen Decker's new granddaughter, Zuri
Alexandra poses for the camera. Later on the whole Decker family, Jim, Kathy, Brendan and
Mason, who where all involved as volunteers, gathered for a family photo, while
Zuri napped from enjoying the all that wonderful fresh air.
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Helping to relax and loosen up those tired, aching muscles following the race,
Rose Borza, Rose M Massage works her magic by offering massages.
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Our neighbors from out on Route 20, the Montezuma Winery
joined us for the day.
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Grandson, Ben #96 and his friends enjoying some time together.
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Under the tent supplied for the day by Auburn Party
Rental are Bunny Baker and Barb Black at the Montezuma Historical Society
Table.
A BIG THANKS goes out to the Montezuma Fire Department,
Assistant Fire Chief Steve and wife, Kelly Thurston, Fire Chief Mike Dailey,
June Smith, and the Port Byron Rescue volunteers, Bob and Lucy Ware. They helped manage and
coordinate the traffic, parking, and most importantly were there on hand to
handle any emergencies. Also, to all the volunteers who were out on the trails,
helping runners stay on course, and ready to give a hand if needed, A BIG THANKS!
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Relaxing after the race are Jeff Dawson, Highway
Superintendent, and Town Board member, Tom Fitzsimmons.
And, me -- I enjoyed getting lots of lots of hugs and
seeing smiling faces as we celebrated watching it all come together; months of
planning and praying for a beautiful sunny day with everyone having a safe, and
fun time -- that's what makes this job so special.
And, we gratefully appreciate our volunteer photographer of the day, Beth Thackrah, Beth of all trades. You can check out the rest of her 5K photo album at:
or visit her website at:
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