Boston Mini-Marathon and Festival returns for 44th year

Oct. 17—BOSTON- The smell of green peanuts, remnants of "Georgia Snow" on the roadsides, pumpkins everywhere! Yes, it's fall in the south and time for the 44th Annual Boston (GA) Mini-Marathon and Festival. This premier south Georgia festival is set for Saturday, October 28 in historic downtown Boston, Georgia.

The day begins early on Saturday, Oct. 28, with runners/walkers checking in on Jefferson Street and vendors checking in at the information booth at the corner of Pear Street and Main Street. Music fills the air as runners from across the south line up to participate in the race which covers a wheel-measured, sanctioned course through the pastoral countryside. After the presentation of the Star Spangled Banner by Rick McDonnell, the signal sounds at 8 a.m., sending the runners off to complete the 13.1 mile course. Runners for the 5K run event follow at 8:15 a.m.; participants in the 5K walk leave at 8:45 a.m. Brad Johnson, race director, says, "Registration is brisk and competition is keen! We have another great T shirt design this year to add to the collection. Winners are recognized during an awards ceremony in Watt Park at 11 a.m." Online registration is now closed; however, those interested can secure a form from the website (www.bostoncommunityclub.org), local businesses or call Johnson at 229-221-8092.

Food vendors will set up on Main Street; the tantalizing aromas of BBQ, blooming onions, fried fish and other seafood, funnel cakes and other festival fare fill the air as the food court opens at 10 a.m. Arts/crafts/business and vendors will be located in the new city hall (formerly Synovus Bank) parking area and surrounding green space. New for this year is a special category of vendors: Young Entrepreneurs. Sponsored by Thomasville National Bank, this category is open to grades 5-12 and includes young folks selling boiled peanuts and hand squeezed lemonade, homemade sugar body scrubs, floral designs, homemade dog treats, clay beads, handmade jewelry and more!

Festival goers can satisfy their taste buds and shop from a wide array of traditional arts/crafts and specialty items including handmade jewelry, homemade baked goods, seasonal décor, personalized items, woodworking, and more await on this shopping adventure. Bring a Christmas list because shoppers are sure to find unique items for those special folks on the list.

Something new this year is Last Leg Custom Sawmill set up on the SW corner of Jefferson and Main Streets next to the Buzzery. Individuals can watch and ask questions as Greg Cain demonstrates custom cutting different kinds of local hardwoods and pine.

In addition to the food court, local restaurants will be open serving their specialties and downtown shops and boutiques invite everyone to come in. Hannah Evans is organizing the vendors and she says, "We're about to reach capacity for vendors but if you offer something really special, go to our website, www.bostoncommunityclub.org check us on FB (Boston Mini-Marathon and Festival or Boston Community Club), get brochures from local businesses or you may contact me at: 229-498-1146. I will be glad to mail a brochure or talk with you!"

At 10 a.m., the much-anticipated Second Annual Bed Race event begins. The Hope to Dream nonprofit sponsored by Ashley Furniture and 1915 South has donated over 125,000 beds to support children in need.

The theme for this competition is "Bedtime Stories"; proceeds are used to provide books for children in the Boston community. Teams will compete for Boston Road Runner (fastest time), Boston Spirit Award (most creative bed design) and Boston Broken Spring Award (What Were you Thinking???). Winners will be recognized in an awards ceremony at the end of the race. For more information, call Amanda Maxwell at 229-498-1146.

At 11:00 a.m., more competition takes place in Watt Park as children of all ages line up to be judged in their Halloween costumes. To compete, simply come in costume to Watt Park by 10:30. Nancy Hoffman is organizing this event; young and old alike are encouraged to participate in the fun. "Participants are judged in age groups; the competition is friendly and all participants get prizes!" said Hoffman.

An awards ceremony at 11 a.m., also in Watt Park, recognizes the winners from the run/walk events. Johnson will announce winners by age category; they will receive trophies, as well as cash prizes for run winners.

At noon, Thomas University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Karl Barton takes the stage at Watt Park. The new stage provides a great backdrop for this favorite group. They will play until 1 p.m.; take a break and then play again from 2-3 p.m. Jaclyn Maxwell, who has deep family ties in Boston, will appear in a special performance.

The parade begins at 1 p.m., entering Stone Street from Railroad Street, West Jefferson to Main Street to Adams to Stephens to Jefferson back to Stone to disband on Railroad. Grab a spot anywhere along this route to get a good view of newly crowned Miss Boston and Court, floats featuring festival queens from surrounding communities, Thomas County Central High School Marching Band, Thomas County Central Middle School Band, equestrian units, classic cars, and many others. The marching band will stop on Jefferson Street at the end of the parade to play several numbers. There is no fee to enter the parade but those interested must pre-register. Forms are available on the website, at local businesses or contact Maxwell at 229-498-1146.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the day includes a Kids Karnival featuring free activities as well as 911 Safety Education. Fun Size Farms will be there with a petting zoo from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. These activities will be located in the area behind the east side of the 100 block of Main Street.

Hosted by the Boston Community Club, the 44th Annual Mini-Marathon and Festival promises a day chockfull of activities for the entire family. This is one of the premier south Georgia festivals and is made possible this year by generous sponsors: Platinum Sponsor/Synovus Bank; Gold Sponsors/Industrial Boiler Services, Inc. and VyStar Credit Union; Silver Sponsors/Barwick Banking Company, Diamond Plate Horses and Marketing Communications, Inc; Bronze Sponsors/Apartments on South Main Street; Boston Gin Company, Tourism/City of Boston, Spring Creek of Boston, Thomasville National Bank. Visit BostonCommunityClub.org, website, click on events and follow prompts for Mini-Marathon, or call Maxwell for more information!