Volume 1, Issue 7 JULY 14, 2023
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Stony Lake Sparkler sets new participant record Almost $25,000 raised for Crystal Valley Care Fund
More than 1,000 runners showed up to compete in the seventh Stony Lake Sparkler 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run on July 2, 2023. Since its start in 2015 with just over 500 participants, the race has grown dramatically. After over 900 runners participated in 2022 in a roaring comeback from a two-year hiatus during the Covid pandemic, organizers worked with area police, fire and public safety officials to determine that a 1,000-runner cap was prudent for the conditions of the out-andback run. Some hopeful runners who had not preregistered had to be turned away on July 2 because of these precautions. The race directors are planning to revisit the layout and parking requirements for future races, but at this point the 1,000-participant limit remains in place for the health and safety of everyone. “Most races close registration before race day,” said Race Director Sally Malnor. “We would prefer not to have to turn people away that day.” The run is popular not only for the scenic route along the wooded roads that surround Stony Lake. A festive family atmosphere, a terrific post-run party and a wide variety of awards attract runners of all ages from all over Michigan and beyond. The ultimate goal of the race, a large donation to the Crystal Valley Care Fund, is further motivation for sponsors, community donors and runners to chip in generously. This year’s race donation is $24,849.60, a total that will help hundreds of
A check for $24,849.60, above, was presented to the Crystal Valley Care Fund at the 2023 Sparkler Run at Stony Lake, from left, Jeff Larmore, Sally Malnor, Deb Mitteer, Judy Kokx, Ruth Fleming and Kathy Sullivan. Runners can be seen, below, along scenic Thomas Road near Stony Lake. • Contributed photos by Fergypix.com
Oceana County residents who are facing lifecrisis needs. The overall winners of this year’s race were Keegan Masters of Petersburg, Mich., with a time of 16:15.9, and Stony Lake area resident and Hart High School track star Jessie Jazwinski, besting her victory from last year with a time of 18:25.0. Next year’s Stony Lake Sparkler 5K is planned for July 7, 2024.
PERMIT NO 62
PRE-SORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
RESIDENTIAL POSTAL CUSTOMER PAID ECRWSS BIG RAPIDS, MI 49307
A wonderful day at the Oceana County Fairgrounds for the Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Horse Show
• Contributed Photos
Share memories of Silver Lake Sand Dunes at The Ladder July 18 The next Share Our Stories (SOS) event at The Ladder Community Center in Shelby will feature stories and adventures of one of our area’s greatest and most interesting tourist attractions, the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Join in on Tuesday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. as special guest speakers Jan Lathers and Robin Morningstar share the history of the dunes from every season. Robin was a tour guide and dune buggy driver at the dunes, and Jan lived near the dunes for many years. Listen and add your memories of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
We invite all to come and share their stories, photos and other memorabilia with those in attendance. SOS is a monthly event held at The Ladder, where people gather and share memories and memorabilia from Oceana County. There is no cost for this evening event, though donations to The Ladder are welcome. Events are subject to change. To inquire about an event or with ideas for future topics of interest for SOS, call The Ladder at 231-259-0211. Visit theladdercommunitycenter.com to view all upcoming events.