Lake Carey Day has something for everyone

BY KEVIN WOODRUFF

LakeCareywill be the center of local attention July 26-29 as locals will put on the annual Lake Carey Day celebration.

Festivities start on Thursday night with the “Kick Off to Lake Carey Day” event at theLakeCareyInn, beginning at9 p.m.

On Friday night, the Lake Carey Volunteer Fire Company will host Friday Night Bingo at6:15 p.m.

Following bingo, everyone is welcome to a “Meet Your Neighbor” event at theLakeCareyInnat9 p.m.  Raffle tickets will be available.

The action won’t rest for long as Saturday morning will ring in one of the weekend’s most popular events, with the third annual running of the Frank J. Valvano Memorial Walk/Run at8 a.m.

Registration will begin at Lake Carey Volunteer Fire Company at6:30 a.m.and continue up until the time of the race.

Race director Dick Daniels said the main purpose of the race is the raise money for the Frank J. Valvano Memorial Scholarship atTunkhannockAreaHigh School.

This year, the scholarship was awarded to senior Jacob Siegel.

“It raises money for the scholarship each year,” Daniels said. “And it also bring the community together.”

Daniels said it’s a great way to kick off Saturday morning at Lake Carey Day.

“People like to come start the day off with some physical activity,” Daniels said. “And then go enjoy the events at Lake Carey Day.”

He said the race is unique because it is one of the few in the area each summer that offers a scenic 10K course.

“You don’t see as many 10K’s anymore,” Daniels said. “But we’re lucky enough to have a good venue and cooperation from local firefighters and supervisors.”

The cost to register is $15, with a tee-shirt promised to the first 100 people.  Proceeds from the race go to the Frank J. Valvano Scholarship Fund.  Included in this event will be a 5K and 10K run, along with a 5K walk. Last year, 155 competitors came out to take part in this event that honors the late Valvano.

He said that the 10K course around the lake is a tough course, and that serious runners enjoy getting to compete on it. He also said that the 5K course around the lake is one of the nicest in the area.  For more information, contact Daniels at 240-1932, or dick.daniels@gmail.com.

This year’s Valvano Race is sponsored by Mountain Energy Services.

Following the Valvano Race, there will be a Children’s Paddle Boat Race starting from Frank’sMarinaat10:30 a.m.for children under the age of 16.  Face painting will also be available.

For adults looking for some fun in the water, a kayak race for all ages will take place starting atHolbrook Roadat10 a.m.finishing at the bridge nearLakeCareyInn.

Much will be happening at the Lake Carey Volunteer Fire Company Hall from noon to 2 p.m. Raffle tickets will be sold; Lake Carey merchandise will be available; membership applications will be accepted; registration for the Poker Run Raffle which will kick off at 2 p.m. and go until 4 p.m.

The fun then continues at4 p.m.with a boat parade/cruise/conga line. Participants should line up at the bridge. Those who are at residences around the lake are encouraged to join in at their docks.

The annual chicken barbeque will be held at the fire hall from5to8 p.m.  Take-out or eat-in. Tickets can be purchased at the fire hallstarting atnoon.

Prizes for the poker run and raffles will be announced at the fire hall at7:30 p.m.

Following that, at8 p.m., president Walter Broughton, author of the book, “LakeCarey,” will speak about the history ofLakeCarey, “The Astonishing History of America’s Greatest Summer Resort.”

Lake Carey Day festivities will conclude on Sunday with a Union Chapel Service at10 a.m., followed by a reception on the lawn.

An open house with free picnic will be available at the Lake Carey Sportsman’s Club pavilion fromnoonuntil3 p.m.

Finally, a farewell will be held at theLakeCareyInnwith live entertainment from6to9 p.m.

For more information on Lake Carey Day, visit www.lakecareypa.com.