Second Foam Fest geared toward health and wellness for families

October 6, 2017

Roberto A. Jackson

Gila River Indian News

When it comes to fun runs and walks, it doesn’t get much more vigorous than the sudsy Family Foam Fest presented by the Gila River Indian Community’s Health Initiative.

For the approximately 500 guests who packed the lawn at Rawhide, not only was there a one and two-mile walk/run track with a foam-soaked finish, guests had the opportunity to play on several family-friendly activities.

The Sept. 15 event had water slides, a foam pit, rock climbing, a mechanical bull, carnival games and lawn games to go with musical entertainment provided by DJ Nonstop and Gertie & the T.O. Boyz.

Everyone who entered the run was automatically entered into a raffle, which featured prizes highlighting outdoor and fitness activities.

Special Events Coordinator, Alie Walking Badger, said the event was geared towards families, to promote fun outdoor activities for all ages. Over 40 volunteers assisted in the event, that according to Walking Badger, saw an increase in attendance over the previous year.

“A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers,” said Walking Badger. Local youth rounded out the volunteer ranks with members coming from The Boys & Girls Club – Sacaton Branch, District 2 Youth Group and the Akimel O’odham/Pee Posh Youth Council. “We did have a lot of youth volunteers,” said Walking Badger. “We counted on them to make this event a success.”

With a starting line set up on an adjacent pavement at Rawhide, the bubbles were churning and the soapy suds floated continuously as the runners started and returned to the starting/finish line for a lathered finale.

This year’s bubbles have barely dried, but Walking Badger is already looking to complete a bubbly tri-fecta, “We’re planning for next year,” she said.

With two years under their belt, the next step will be “bigger and better,” according to Walking Badger.