Begin your day, Saturday, Oct. 13, by joining other Villagers in a fun run/walk at The Villages Polo Field.
Afterwards, enjoy entertainment and music of an international fair. Then, at the end of the day, you’ll know that you have contributed to the ongoing efforts of the Villagers For Veterans’ initiative to build a specially designed home for disabled Army veteran Pam Kelly in The Villages’ Historic Section.
“Everyone is invited to participate in our 5K ‘I Walk For Pam’ that begins with an 8 a.m. registration and starts 45 minutes later,” said Marie Bogdonoff, the organization’s founder and president. “Even the family dog is encouraged to join in the fun.”
At 10 a.m. the festival’s activities get under way. There will be a golf cart parade, lots of clowns, games and even a dunk tank. Featured performers are The Villages Twirlers and Drum Corps, singer Ralph DiNome and the musical group The CORE. And the E-Flyer Club will conduct an air show with 100 remote-control airplanes.
Meanwhile, several food and merchandise vendors, along with other Villages clubs, will host a variety of booths until the festival’s 2 p.m. conclusion.
Registration for the Walk already has begun. The entry fee is $25. After Sept. 15, the fee increases to $30. Entrants under the age of 18 are asked to pay $15. All entrants will receive an event T-shirt and a participation medal.
Dogs will be charged $10. But they will receive a patriotic bandanna, a water bowl and a treat.
There’s a $5 admission fee at the gate for those coming to the fair but not participating in the 5K Walk.
“The combination Walk and Festival will be the Villagers For Veterans’ biggest initiative of the year,” Bogdonoff said. “We have purchased property on Teakwood Lane for Pam’s new home and have begun the design phase. We hope to break ground in October.
“It’s imperative that our neighbors from The Villages and surrounding communities participate and help us raise funds,” Bogdonoff added. “They will help us complete this unique humanitarian mission.”
More information and registration is available at www.villagersforveterans.org. Vendors and club representatives can reserve their spots by contacting Bogdonoff at (516) 220-5068 or emailing her at villagersforveterans@gmail.com.
