By Tyler Pruett
tyler@southerntorch.com
COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— The City of Collinsville is hosting several annual fundraisers on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Beginning at 9 a.m. in the city park, participants will begin a 5k “color run” and also at this time the rubber ducks will be released on Wills Creek for the annual Duck Race. The Collinsville Historical Association is raising money for a good cause as well, with a raffle to raise funds needed for new lights and a marquee sign on the historic Cricket Theatre.
The second annual 5k color fun run supporting Relay for Life will begin at 9 a.m., with late registration beginning at 8 a.m. The cost is $10 per participant with the first 100 entrants receiving a free t-shirt. Participants may pre-register by sending entry forms and fees to Claire Chandler at Collinsville School. The deadline for pre-registration is Monday, April 11. Registration forms may be picked up at Collinsville School, Collinsville Healthcare, and city hall.
Participants may run or walk the 5k. Children participating must be age appropriate and any child below the 4th grade must have an adult present. Powder based paint made from cornstarch and coloring will be thrown on contestants at four different stations throughout the race. The powdered paint may stain clothes or shoes, so dress accordingly.
The color run is sponsored by Collinsville School and the community. Contact Claire Chandler at (256)523-8895 or Emmily Smith at (256)490-6721.
The Collinsville Historical Association will be selling tickets for a raffle to raise funds for a new marquee and lighting. Efforts to restore the historic Cricket Theatre have been underway since 2009. Reopened late last year, the theatre had served as the symbol of Collinsville for almost 70 years.
The grand opening was held in 1946, but the theatre’s popularity declined during the sixties. The Cricket would shut it’s doors for around fifty years, until the city purchased the building in 2009 from a private owner. While reopened late last year, the old theatre still needs many more improvements. The marquee would do a lot to improve the aesthetics of main street
“It would mean everything to our main street, and it will do a lot to improve the looks of the downtown area,” said Collinsville Mayor Johnny Traffanstedt.
The main event of the day will be the annual Duck Race beginning at 9 a.m. in the city park. Contestants can purchase “ducks” for $5 per duck or $25 for the “Quack Pack,” which contains six entries. The “fastest duck” will win $500, while other prizes will be awarded for the top 10 to finish, and even a trophy for the very last. Music will be provided by Still Kickin, Logan Graves, Payton and John Sells. There will be food, vendors, and bounce houses for the kids. Bring your lawn chairs for a fun filled day. All proceeds go to the Collinsville parks and recreation department.
