Queen Anne Hill was bustling with excitement last Saturday as competitors in the 26th Annual Crown of Queen Anne Fun Run/Walk lit out with a bang to tackle the 3.3-mile race through the scenic neighborhood and ending at Coe Elementary.
This year's Fun Run and Walk was accompanied by sunshine and was diverse with families, teenagers, seniors and college students. The Hardman family ran the race together.
Jenny Hardman, 9, and a student at St. Joseph's was the first place winner for the young girls category. She ran with her mother, brother, and grandfather. The latter said, "It's a fun family event."
Then there was Louisa Hays, a Queen Anne resident, who took the checkered flag in the women's category. She grinned with elation after the win. She and her friends even made bets as to which one of them would win. Hays and her friends run up to five days a week.
The run was followed by an award ceremony, free bagels, water and bananas.
Queen Anne Helpline, with the help of Seafair, awarded trophies to the winners and gave away raffle prizes.
Area businesses such as the Paragon Restaurant, Trader Joe's, Communique Cards and Gifts, and Queen Anne Physical Therapy all came together to help contribute to the raffle. There were also prizes for the youngest, eldest and best hat contest.
After the Fun Run the sidewalk sale on Queen Anne Avenue began. Most stores participated offering up 50 percent off. The Video Isle's Jeannie Holland has worked the sidewalk sale every year since she started at the company in 1992. The sale normally gets a lot of business but Holland was worried "it could be different this year with the recession."
In response, Video Isle lowered its prices. Craig Wilson, Video Isle owner and Queen Anne Helpline board member, said he donates to the Helpline, various auctions, charities and hospitals.
The sidewalk sale led to the Children's Parade at McClure Middle School.
The parade marched to a big band playing and was led by lively children dressed in costumes and wigs. The Di Re family found out about the parade on Queen Anne Moms Yahoo Blog. This was Sienna Di Re's first parade and she managed to wear her clown wig the entire time. Sienna's mother who lives on Queen Anne said "it's a great, free activity that is lots of fun."
The parade lasted minutes but the picnic after was full of many activities including children's golf, basketball and other games. Burgers, hot dogs and sno-cones were high demand items at the following picnic.
Caroline Avery, a volunteer for the food line, said she enjoys helping her community. She also cooks three-dollar meals for seniors Monday nights at the community center. The picnic was hosted by the Helpline, The Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce and neighborhood businesses.[[In-content Ad]]
