By Heather Wood

Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, fall foliage, roasting s’mores on the bonfire and so much more! As fall rolls around, I think we can all admit that we are looking for some new “insta” ideas. There are many fun fall activities for all of us to enjoy. Here are a few ideas that will help you enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

With Halloween in the air, the Kernersville Pumpkin Run is a fall lover’s dream. All ages are invited to walk or run the 5K or 1-mile course that begins in the adjacent neighborhood across from Fourth of July Park on Saturday, October 20. The event will center on the spooktacular theme of Halloween and incorporate a costume contest for kids and adults as well as Halloween themed activities, music, and fun! After crossing the finish line, sip some hot cocoa for what promises to be the most fun and unusual event your family will experience this season. Embrace your favorite fall traditions and let the fun run begin! Registration is now open at www.kvparks.com. Registration includes a frightful race day t-shirt, and goodie bag, for ages 14+. Ages 5-13 will receive a medal of completion!
 
You are invited to creep through downtown Kernersville collecting Halloween treats from participating downtown businesses and booths on Wednesday, October 31st from 6:00-8:00pm. The merchants of downtown welcome goblins, superheroes, firemen and fairies (and their parents) every year for this family friendly Halloween event. Come in Costume accompanied by an adult for children 13 years old and younger. Watch the streets of downtown become a Halloween haven! Families are encouraged to come out early to enjoy activities before the trick-or-treating begins. Special thanks to the Town of Kernersville, Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, Kernersville Police and Fire Departments and the local merchants for this free event, it is a great way for the community to come together in a safe environment.

The area cross-country season is now underway. Every year, regardless of whether the runner in the uniform is a returning athlete or a newcomer no one has heard of, these athletes contend for invitational, regional and state titles. Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex has become one of the top area complexes for athletes to practice and compete. During the fall season, the complex hosts the invitational, regional and state cross-country meets. These events bring thousands of spectators and high school students across the state, while attracting tourism to Kernersville. Just last month a few of our Alderman got a front row seat of the action at the “Friday Night Lights” cross-country meet. The atmosphere is electric, and a lot of hard work goes into preparing for any meet.

It is never too late to start thinking about staying healthy and fit as the holiday season is approaching. Whether you are looking to drop a dress size, gain muscle, increase energy, or simply be healthier – the 30-Day SMART Challenge class is for you! Participants meet for 60 minutes each week and receive a weekly food guide, recipes, weekly workout, support from the coach and more! Certified Health Coach, Janet Steward has a master’s degree in Exercise Science and is offering a challenge beginning 10/9-10/30 or 11/6-11/27. The class will meet at the Kernersville Parks and Recreation Community center from 6:00-7:00pm. If you have any questions or would like to register, feel free to contact Janet at coach@smartbodydynamics.com or call 931-808-2133.

Although we cannot all be star cross-country athletes, we can make sure we are taking care of ourselves and maintaining optimal health so we can enjoy many more years of trick-or-treating in Kernersville!