Salem was proud to support the 51st Annual Orange Park Acres Fourth of July Parade and 5K/10K Race.

The community gathered on a beautifully cool morning for the races at the corner of Frank Lane and Orange Park Blvd. Runners registered on Salem's field thanks to the help of several Salem volunteers and returned at the end of the race for refreshments. Coffee and donuts were provided at the Salem Welcome Booth. Our Mountain Bike Team escorted the 10K racers as they ran through the hills, and Salem volunteers helped guide vehicles through the crowd as racers returned from their lap.

Later in the morning, as the temperature rose, our band gathered as Salem volunteers decorated two floats for the parade. Children from the community played on our playground while medals were distributed to runners on our field.

As the parade began, our band entertained the community as our students cheered and threw out candy to kids along the parade route.

Upon their return from their sweaty venture, parade participants were greeted by Salem volunteers who handed out popsicles to help them cool off.

According to Don Bradley, OPA President, and Richard Eldridge, OPA Board member, "...the [Salem] volunteers under the coordination of Walt Luchinger helped [OPA] run the parade and race so smoothly that several people commented that this year ran more smoothly than ever before. The help from Salem volunteers...helped make the event run so seamlessly that even the organizers were able to enjoy it!"

We look forward to continuing to support or community in this and other local events!