Published: October 01, 2009 03:02 pm      

Lots of worthwhile activities planned for the weekend

Crystal Brown

cbrown@weatherforddemocrat.com

First Monday Weekend and cooler weather often mean more activity around Parker County and this weekend is no exception. With a slew of events planned for Saturday, there is plenty to chose from to keep busy.

For those wanting to walk, run or bike for a cause the early morning hours offer up multiple options.

The Miles 4 Mammograms 5K Run steps off at 8 a.m. from Hudson Oaks City Hall located at 210 N. Lakeshore Dr. This is a fundraising event to provide underserved women in Parker County mammograms at no cost.

Since October 2008, more than 120 women have been assisted in Parker County through funds raised from last year’s event.

For those wanting to push themselves a littler farther, the Clark Gardens Fall Festival half marathon and 5K run starts at 7:30 a.m. at the gardens located at 567 Maddux Road. Runners will have a chance to view the gardens and countryside as they participate. Following the run, the fall festival will feature gardening demonstrations, games and activities for children and adults.

Reving up the horsepower at later in the morning is the Riding for Roses Motorcycle Run at B&P Cycles located at 915 Fort Worth Highway. Registration starts at 9:45 a.m. and the first bikes take off at 10:30 a.m. and the last head out at noon. The even is expected to last until 6 p.m. when prizes are set to be awarded.

All money raised from the event benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.

B&P Cycles Sales Manager Gary Johns said a friend and store customer spoke to him about cystic fibrosis and at first he just wrote out a check to help the cause. He then realized the customer’s son, 2-year-old Hudson Gonzales of Weatherford, has the disease and he wanted to do more.

“I got with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation a few months ago and they have an event manager that helped put this together,” Johns said.

The event includes coffee and donuts before the 80 mile poker run. The cost is $10 per card. Once the bikers retrun around 4:30 p.m., Johns said food and drinks will be available along with a motorcycle and car show with awards, a bikini bike wash, door prizes and raffle. Prizes include a weekend stay at Day Dream Cabins in Fredersicksburg, four lower level ticket to the Dallas Mavericks game Nov. 7 and a pair of Justin boots. James Black and The Repeat Offenders will perform live.

In case of rain, the event will move to Saturday, Oct. 10. For more information call (817) 613-6159.

Those looking for more civic involvement this weekend are invited to meet their democratic candidates at the third annual Old-Fashioned Democrat Rally from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hall Middle School.

Local democrats from five area counties are expected to attending. John Sharp and Houston Mayor Bill White, the two Democratic U.S. Senator candidates, will lead off at noon. Then the group will hear from Gubernatorial candidates Hank Gilbert and Felix Alvarado, followed by Jeff Weems for Railroad Commissioner, and Bill Burton for Land Commissioner. Local Democratic candidates will also be on hand, including State Rep. candidate Marc Veasey.

“This is an opportunity for voter education about the choices they will have for the upcoming 2010 primary election,” said Parker County Democratic Party chairwoman Deb Cascino. “It will be an excellent chance for all voters, regardless of party affiliation, to hear them speak, and to ask their positions on the issues that matter most to them.”

The event will also include barbecue, baked goods, auction, T-shirts and voter registration.

This event is cosponsored by the Parker County Democratic Party, the Parker County Active Democrats, and the Parker County Democratic Women. For more information call (817) 594-8683 or visit www.parkercodemocrats.org.

Tickets are still available for the Manna Fundraiser hosted by Chicken Scratch Bistro located at 105 College Ave. Two sittings are available, one at 5 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Cost is $50 each. Call (817) 594-6226 for more information.

Funds are also being raised Saturday for the Greenwood Rural Volunteer Fire Department from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the fire department and community center located at 1418 Greenwood Cut-Off Rd. Proceeds will go toward improving the department’s emergency medical services capabilities.

Local band The Fabulous Fifties will perform at the event and guests can enjoy a close up look at Greenwood’s fire apparatus and two Med-Evac helicopters, a car bash and a simulated extraction of a trapped person in a vehicle. Bounce houses will be available for children.

The fundraising part of the evening includes both a live and silent auction and raffle to include a $1,400 smoker, Henry lever-action .22 rifle and a “Snake Charmer” .410 shotgun.

Carter Blood Care will also host a blood drive during the event.

Children age 4 to 6 are invited for A Doss Wranglers Event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center. This weekend’s event is Earth Friendly Plants and Gardening for Kids and is presented by the Parker County Master Gardeners.

Age-appropriate programming, games and crafts will be held concurrently for each age level. The cost is $15 for 12 months of activities. Campers that participated in the any of the 2009 DHCC summer camps receive a complimentary membership.