Saturday, Dec. 1 will feature a trio of holiday activities, starting with the 16^th Annual Jingle Bell Jog. The festive 5K proves year after year to be a fun activity for locals and the event doubles as a toy drive for the Salvation Army.

 

Rather than pay a registration fee, participants are asked to bring one new, unwrapped toy. Collectively, the toys will be taken to the Harrison County Salvation Army and from there distributed to local children at Christmastime. In recent years, upwards of 80 toys, games and dolls have been collected through the event.

 

“We get everything from Barbie dolls to bicycles to fishing poles - whatever God lays on your heart,” said Stacy Bolle, co-organizer.

 

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Benedum Civic Center, from where runners and walkers will depart at 8:30 a.m., taking the trail system to City Park, looping the playing fields twice and back to the starting point. Times will be available upon finishing. Some will run for their personal best time and some will leisurely walk the course to soak up the festive atmosphere. The key to the event’s success is keeping it simple, Bolle said.

 

Depending upon the weather and other elements, registration fluctuates.

“We’ve had as little 45 and as many as 102. And that’s all ages – and dogs,” Bolle said.

 

The first 100 registered participants will receive Christmas ornaments. All finishers will be treated to a ticket for the Lions Club Pancake Feed at the Civic Center. Steeped in tradition and plenty of maple syrup, the 71st annual breakfast - which raises funds for the civic club's service projects - runs 8 a.m. through noon. Read more HERE.

 

Rain, shine or snow, the Jingle Bell Jog is planned in coordination with Bridgeport Parks & Recreation. The event fits snugly into the day with plenty of time for the pancake breakfast and the Bridgeport Christmas Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Starting at East Main Street/Route 131 intersection near Oliverio’s Ristorante and proceeding west, ending at the Benedum Civic Center.

 

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for the trio of activities. As always, they will ride upon the Bridgeport Fire Department ladder truck in the parade and visit with kids afterwards at the Civic Center.