This is your one and only warning. Heed my advice and proceed with caution. A heads-up for anyone with a weak heart, phasmophobiacs or those who just can’t stand the thought of being frightened. The streets of Carmel’s Arts & Design District soon are to be overtaken by the Ghosts and Goblins 5K/2K and Wellness Fair. Yikes!
Just the thought of bumping into a ghost, goblin, witch, or miniature Purdue Boilermaker fan gives me the creeps. However, if you can reach deep and muster up some courage to come out to Carmel High School on Oct. 26, the wellness of your body and the Carmel Education Foundation both will benefit.
But what am I so worried about? Organizers of the event tell me I could not be more incorrect about this scary thing. All ghosts and goblins promise to leave their terrifying personalities at home for an event full of fun and frivolity. Stephanie McDonald and Barbara Danquist, co-executive chairs of the foundation, promise that. Both have assured me there is no cause for concern.
“One component of our day is the contest for all elementary schools to bring the largest number of participants. West Clay Elementary has taken home the Ghosts and Goblins Trophy the last three years. However, I know the other schools are going to really challenge them this year,” said McDonald.
Kim TenBrink is organizing the Family Wellness Fair. It is free and open to the public from 7:30 to 10 a.m. in the CHS main cafeteria. The day kicks off with packet pickup starting at 7 a.m. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 2K immediately following. Entry fees vary depending on age and event. Details and online registration are at www.carmelghostrun.com. All participants are encouraged to dress in safe running gear; no masks or extremely scary attitudes are allowed.
A fun day is promised and at the end, the funds raised will help to support the great work of the foundation. One of the oldest foundations of its kind, it was created to help Carmel Clay students achieve their full potential. Since 1966, the foundation has awarded more than $1,670,000 in college scholarships to CHS seniors and more than $510,000 in education grants to increase student achievement for all 15,000 Carmel Clay students.