Photos courtesy of the Upper Arlington Chamber of Commerce
In a move appropriate for the spring season, the Upper Arlington Chamber of Commerce is growing its menu of community events.
In addition to revamping its Community Celebration and Business Expo, the chamber has added a 5K race, to be held in June.
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Both events are designed to help the community support local businesses, says Interim Director Brandon Oates.
For the first time, the Business Expo will be held at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center at The Ohio State University, a move made to create more space for festivities. Though previous years’ celebrations have included a dinner, this year’s event, set for 5-8 p.m. March 11, will just include the business expo and community awards, Oates says.
Men’s Hockey Team and Columbus Crew players will be available for meet-and-greets, and 10TV Meteorologist Mike Davis will deliver live weather reports throughout the event.
Free door prizes, a silent auction and a wine raffle will also be featured. In the past, about 200 people have attended, Oates says.
“We’re hoping to have higher numbers this year,” he says.
Chamber members and the community will have a chance to participate in a second chamber event come summer, when the chamber will host its first 5K. The race, which starts at 9 a.m. June 20, will start and finish at Reed Road Park. A Kids Fun Run will begin at 8:45 a.m. Runners in the 5K will get to race on Reed, Fishinger and McCoy roads.
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Prior to and following the race, local businesses will set up tables with giveaways at Reed Road Park. Columbus Running Company will coordinate race timing logistics so each participant can track his or her pace. Awards will be available by age and gender categories.
Tickets are $20 per person and increase to $35 per person the week of the event. Members or veterans of the U.S. military, along with groups of three or more, receive a $5 discount. The Kids Fun Run is free. Part of the proceeds will be donated to VETMotorsports, an Upper Arlington nonprofit that helps disabled veterans by introducing them to motor sports.
