The Salem Optimist Club is gearing up for their biggest activity of the year, the Country Kids Relays. The big event takes place on May 18, 2013 when students 1st through 5th grades compete in a track meet comprised solely of relay races.
Leading up to the event are several other smaller undertakings. Yesterday, May 4, 2013, found the Salem Optimist Club "herding" more than 3,000 kids around the course of the Awesome 3000. According to club secretary Arlen Hollinshead, at the end of the race, the Optimist's work wasn't done! They then donned latex gloves and trash bags and cleaned the grandstand area. "Is that dedication or what?" asks Arlen.
Of course it is and that's why they are Optimist Club members!
We'll be watching for more pictures and stories on race day. Good news for the Optimist Club...they expect about 150 additional volunteers for the Country Kids Relays, a project of Country Financial, the City of Salem Public Works Department Recreation Services and the Salem Optimist Club.
The 39th Annual Country Kids Relays will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Willamette University's McCulloch Stadium.
Thanks to the Salem Optimist Club for the picture.
