PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle and the Wintergreen Arts Center are teaming up again to present one of The County’s most unique and fun-filled 5K fundraisers — the third annual Color Presque Isle 5K, where participants dress in white and get showered with colored powder throughout the course.
The event, which serves as a benefit for arts programming in downtown Presque Isle, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 9 a.m. starting at Riverside Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Color Presque Isle 5K events in 2013 and 2014 attracted hundreds of people of all ages, sizes and running abilities to take to the course, and raised thousands of dollars for downtown arts programming. Needless to say, organizers are excited to do it all again.
“Each year, we are thrilled with the community’s enthusiasm for the Color Presque Isle 5K,” Heather Sincavage, event co-director and director of UMPI’s Reed Fine Art Gallery. “We have so much in store for our participants this year that reflects our mission-support for the Arts In Aroostook County. We are a growing event and are so pleased that, this year, not only will people leave looking like a piece of art, they will have art to take in along the way as they experience the course. On Aug. 22, Presque Isle is our studio and gallery and we’re encouraging everyone to be creative and join the fun!”
Similar to other runs that have happened across the nation, this event involves volunteers dropping colored powder — it’s cornstarch-based, non-toxic and non-allergenic — on participants at various spots throughout the course, which begins at Riverside Park and loops around to the UMPI campus and back. This year’s route includes a stretch along Main Street from State Street to the UMPI campus.
Event organizers are pleased to have several sponsors on board. Other local businesses are stepping up to help fill 400 swag bags that will be handed out to participants while supplies last. This year’s T-shirts will be given out to the event’s first 250 registrants.
This year’s course will feature six color stations, sponsored by local businesses and staffed with teams of volunteers dressed up to reflect specific themes. Organizers will have music and a few art “installations” along the course to provide motivation for 5Kers and showcase the types of activities their participation is helping to support.
At the finish line, refreshments and water will be awaiting participants. At a designated time near the end of the event, all participants and organizers will be invited to take part in a giant color throw. Color packets will be included in all swag bags, and more will be on sale the day of the event in case participants want to throw a little extra color during the 5K.
New this year, because people have shown up to past Color PI 5K events with wigs, tutus and other fun-loving attire, organizers have decided to host a Best Costume Contest and will be awarding prizes after the 5K in the individual, group, and kid categories. The grand prize is a People’s Choice award with the winner receiving two round-trip tickets to Boston.
To add to the festivities, during and after the event there will several activities available for participants and those cheering on 5Kers, including face painting, a community mural and an ice cream truck.
The registration fee is $40, with children under 10 free. Registration is payable by cash, check or credit card. The registration fee includes a T-shirt for the first 250 paid registrants and a color packet to use during the color throw. Course maps will be available at check-in, which will be underway on Friday, Aug. 21 from 5-8 p.m. at Riverside, and on Saturday, Aug. 22 starting at 8 a.m. at Riverside Park. Register at www.umpi.edu/colorpresqueisle5k or in person at Wintergreen Arts Center in Presque Isle.
For more information, please contact Sincavage at heather.sincavage@umpi.edu or contact the Wintergreen Arts Center staff at wintergreenarts@gmail.com or 762-3576.
