The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Mount Airy will be held Oct. 19, beginning at 10 a.m. at Watkins Park.
"The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk is the largest breast cancer awareness event in the nation uniting nearly 300 communities. Event proceeds help to fund breast cancer research to prevent, treat and cure the disease," Katelyn Mock, of the American Cancer Society, wrote in press release. "Every dollar raised helps the American Cancer Society ensure access to mammograms for women who need them as well as provide support to people facing breast cancer."
This year's goal is to have 100 teams and raise more than $100,000 at the Mount Airy walk, with all event proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.
In 2013, 80 teams from this region raised about $80,000 during the Mount Airy walk and $490,000 was raised in Maryland, according to Mock.
Top teams and top fundraisers from the 2013 walk for this region — which includes Frederick, Carroll, Montgomery and Howard counties — were Mary Ford-Naill, of Taylorsville; Sheri Cates, of Mount Airy; Susan Delozier, of Mount Airy; Wendy Rimbey, of Mount Airy; Theresa Pstrak, of Mount Airy; Dawn Morrell, of Westminster; Leslie Keech, of Clarksville; and Jeannine Reed, of Ellicott City.
Walkers may walk the entire 5K or choose the shorter loop, for those who wish to participate but can't walk the full three miles.
Online registration for individuals and teams is available at http://www.MakingStridesWalk.org/MountAiryMD.
For additional information, contact Katelyn Mock, specialist, community events, American Cancer Society, at 410-781-4316 (option 3) or Katelyn.Mock@cancer.org.
Watkins Park is at 615 Center St., Mount Airy.
Fall festival
The Mount Airy Lions Club and Mount Airy fire company auxiliary will host the Mount Airy Fall Festival this weekend at the Mount Airy carnival grounds.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.
There will be an array of vendors, including artists and craftspeople, carrying items such as furniture, wreaths, quilts, jewelry, prints, pottery and more.
Home-based business setups — from home improvements to birthday cakes — will also be represented at this event.
There will be a best-dressed pet contest at 2 p.m. Sunday, scarecrow making and hayrides. You can also vote for the prettiest baby both days, with the winner being announced at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Kids activities will include a 40-foot zip line, polar bear plunge, pony rides, games and more.
A large assortment of foods will also be available for purchase, and a variety of music and other entertainment will be provided.
Parking and admission are free for this rain-or-shine event.
For more information, contact Ben or Rick at 301-829-2112, email rickyericky@aol.com or visit http://www.mtairylions.com.
The carnival grounds are at 1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy.
Open house
The Mount Airy fire company will host a Fire Prevention and Life Safety Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at the station.
A variety of equipment and safety organizations from throughout the state will be at this event to help celebrate the kickoff to Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11.
The event is free and open to the community.
The fire company is at 702 N. Main St., Mount Airy.
For more information, contact the station at 301-829-0100 or visit http://www.mavfc.org.
Church fest
Jennings Chapel United Methodist Church will have its fall festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the church.
Among the items for sale will be: flower arrangements, plants, jewelry, books, candy, jellies, apple dumplings, pies and cakes. There will even be a white elephant and holiday room.
Lunch items for sale will include country ham, barbecue and chicken salad sandwiches, as well as soups, sides and more. You can also choose one of the three sandwiches and make it into a platter.
The church is at 2601 Jennings Chapel Road, Woodbine.
Call the church office at 410-489-7185 for additional information.
Debbie Gartrell-Kemp covers Mount Airy, Taylorsville, Winfield, Woodbine and Lisbon. Contact her at 410-861-6058 before 9 p.m. or debbie.neighborhoods@aol.com.
