By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
May 20 is shaping up to be a big day in Ellsworth. Legionfest returns with a host of food and craft vendors, a state-sanctioned kids' tractor pull, and a cornhole tournament. But before that, Ellsworth County Medical Center's Hospital Auxiliary is hosting its first-ever Color Run & Walk 5K.
"It so happens it's also Legionfest that weekend, so we want to support our heroes," said Auxiliary President Tina Davis. "We thought the color was a way to bring life into our legion heirs, and to also represent the women who do so much to support our hospital."
Early bird entry for the color run is $25 and includes a t-shirt and a pair of sunglasses. Entry fees after May 10 increase to $35. The run begins at 8 a.m., but the lineup begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Ellsworth Recreational Center, also known as the armory. Music will play throughout the run, and of course, there's the color.
"All the participants are encouraged to wear a white t-shirt for the actual run," Davis said. "We have colorful chalk that is thrown into the air at four different stages in the run. The chalk powder gets thrown up in the air and on you, so when you're done with the run, all different colors are in your hair and on your shirt."
Proceeds from the color run will go back to the hospital auxiliary to purchase blankets for inpatients.