Silver City Days wouldn’t be complete without the Colombo Lodge-AM Ford Bocce Classic and the Fun Run, two events that have added a touch of athleticism to the annual celebration.
The Bocce tournament gets rolling at the Trail Curling Rink where 28 teams will vie for the coveted Classic title. The bocce throwers will also get a chance to warm up tonight and practice throwing bocce on the carpet-lined lanes of the curling club venue from 6 to 9 p.m.
The players get bowling in earnest from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday and will continue on Saturday from 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m. with an 11 a.m. break so competitors can step outside and enjoy the parade.
The two-player-per-team open tournament began in 2006 to celebrate the Colombo Lodge’s 100th year.
Original organizer Sergio Freschi says sponsors like Kootenay Savings and AM Ford have been huge contributors to the success of the event, and he encourages everyone to stop in, enjoy a beverage at the bar and watch teams from around the Kootenays play their best bocce.
The Silver City Days Fun Run will look to duplicate its record turnout at last year’s run, that saw close to 300 participants take to the pavement in Sunningdale.
The run starts in Gyro Park Sunday at 9 a.m. follows the river, circles Sunningdale and returns along the sidewalk. Entrants in the 5K will finish at Gyro, while the 10K competitors head towards East Trail, and eventually a loop of downtown Trail before heading back to the finish at Gyro.
Last year the Fun Run received a healthy boost from Teck’s Health and Wellness program entering about 80 runner and walkers.
The event is open to everyone from elite runners to the casual stroller and is divided into age categories. In the 5K junior category: eight and under, 9-11, 12-15. For 10 K: 12 and under, 13-15 and in the Senior category, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-plus.
Prizes will be awarded to the top place finishers in each group and random draws will award lucky participants at the awards presentation where refreshments are provided by local businesses.
Everyone who preregisters gets entered into a draw to win a $200 gift certificate for Gerick’s Cycle and Sports.
Early registration must be received by 7 p.m. Friday. Latecomers are still welcome but must register at Gyro Park on race day between 7:45 and 8:45 a.m.
The entry fee is $5 for a walker and $10 to run. To register early contact Gerick Cycle and Sports or download entry form at www.trailtrackclub.ca or email dhoran@telus.net.