Wasco Rec's Color Blast event for all ages

The Wasco Recreation and Parks District will present its "Reach for the Sky Color Blast Fun Run" to add more excitement and community engagement to this year's Wasco Rose Festival activities lineup.

The event will occur on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Barker Park Little League Shelter #5.

"The Color Blast Fun Run is a friendly race that involves a 3K Fun Walk and 5K Fun Run with participants taking part for enjoyment rather than competition," WRPD Manager Chris Serna said.

"It is an untimed event where at each mark, runners/walkers are doused with different colored powder. It blends the color throwing with running to promote happiness and health."

All proceeds for this event help support the WRPD's annual July fireworks display.

The first 50 registrants will receive a race kit with a t-shirt and glasses. Runners begin with a white t-shirt and pass through different color stations; each station is associated with different colors.

"WRPD partnered last year with the Wasco Rose Festival committee to bring back the traditional Fun Run from years past. WRPD added a unique fun twist to the traditional Fun Run by changing it to a Color Blast Fun Run."

Serna said that one of their biggest goals is to promote a healthy and happy lifestyle to participants beyond just the Color Blast Fun Run.

She added that the Color Blast Fun Run is special because it is an event where everyone feels comfortable getting active, regardless of age or ability level.

"This is a fun event that entire families can participate in. Bring the little ones and push them in a stroller. It is a family-friendly fun run/walk. Be prepared to dance, twirl, run, skip, walk and stroll through!"

It's not about winning.

"With no winners or official times, the Color Blast Fun Run caters to first-time runners/walkers and seasoned athletes/walkers."

It will be a fun family event.

"The Color Blast Fun Run is a place where you can enjoy camaraderie with friends, family and other participants as you partake in photo ops, music, dancing and, of course, a fun run or walk."

Registration runs through Friday, Sept. 8. The fee is $40.

Register online at wascoparks.recdesk.com or the WRPD office at 1280 Poplar Avenue.

Registration the day of the event is available at 7 a.m. (cash only).

Another community event coming up is a free "Labor Day Fun Ride" on Saturday, Sept. 2, at Barker Park, sponsored by the WRPD, the City of Wasco and Bike Bakersfield.

It will be a bicycle safety and awareness event with safety demonstrations and refreshments.

Registration is at 9 a.m., with the ride from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Helmets are required for participants under 18. Visit the WRPD website for the bike route.