August has arrived.

A fresh new month arrived this morning in its Monday best, vibrantly adorned in bright sunshine and endless possibilities for the upcoming 31 days.

What do you have planned for August? For many of our farmers, they’re aimed at getting the hay off the fields. While they do that, our staff at the Rural Health Initiative is dedicated to tackling projects and networking within the community ag-related events. Perhaps you’ve set a goal, to get those extra 1,000 steps in, tackle that pile of paperwork in your office, or to finish that DIY project you started months ago.

Whatever it is, days and weeks are going to flip by as fast as derby cars at the local county fairgrounds. Just don’t blink – August will be over before you know it.

Fair fitness fun awaits.

Speaking of local county fairs, the Rural Health Initiative is gearing up for miles of fair festivities. Similar to the recent Outagamie County Fair in Seymour, you’ll find us walking through the barns welcoming and mingling with farmers and 4H families as they tend to their animals. However, you’ll also find us organizing bibs, marking pathways, and manning the Registration/Check-In table.

August is the home of the 1st annual Choose to Move 5K walk/run at the Waupaca County Fair on Sunday, August 28^th, 2016 in Weyauwega. Check-in and same day registration starts at 9:00AM. The 5K starts at 10:00AM. Sign up is available online and via mail. Click HERE for more details. All fitness levels welcome. To register now, http://bit.ly/29A6pxc.

The Choose to Move 5K walk/run offers participants 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) of opportunity to be involved with the Waupaca County Fair in a new way, be united with like-minded health-conscious community individuals, and support a local non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the sustain the health and safety of farm families.

How it began. The Choose to Move 5K is the product of collaborative efforts between the Rural Health Initiative, the Waupaca County Fair, local police department and community volunteers. All proceeds from the Choose to Move 5K benefit the Rural Health Initiative.

The Rural Health Initiative approached Manager Jeremy Schroeder about the idea during the Spring, inquiring about potential interest to integrate the health-focused physical activity into the 2016 fair line up. Without hesitation, Schroeder and county board members were in favor. Planning and coordination continued throughout the following months.

Setting the course. Local resident, wrestling coach, and recreational runner Tim Potratz volunteered to assist Schroeder and Rural Health Initiative. The three confirmed the 3.1 miles with approval from the local police department after ensuring safety measures at one of the route intersections.

The 5k starts with a small loop within the fair grounds and then exits Gate 1, and travels through beautiful tree-lined streets throughout town. The route crosses Pine Street, travels through the Weyauwega Swim Lake, then back towards the fair with re-entrance into the fairgrounds via Gate 4 before making the way to the finish line.

Tell me more. For complete details about the Choose to Move 5K walk/run at the Waupaca County Fair – including how and where to register – visit the Rural Health Initiative website at www.wiruralhealth.org and click Event Calendar, or click http://wiruralhealth.org/event-calendar/.