By By Kelly Quackenbush/The Meridian Star
April 27, 2001
Meridian's 2001 WalkAmerica kicks off Saturday at Bonita Lakes.
Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. with Mayor John Robert Smith leading the walkers in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Patrice Gathright singing the national anthem. Alisha Griffis and Black Eagle Kick-Boxing teachers and students will lead the walkers in some pre-walk warm-ups.
Crump said the March of Dimes volunteers have gotten more national and local corporation sponsors involved this year.
Theresa Hawk, proprietor, and Sherry Heath, event coordinator for Outback Steakhouse will contribute the food for walk day this year. Outback has also come on board as a new walk team.
National sponsors include: CIGNA HealthCare, Kmart, Florida Orange Growers, Canon and the National Peanut Board.
Tammie Johnson from Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center Special Beginnings NICU and her crew will be serving orange juice at the Folic Acid rest stop.
After the walk, there will be festivities including entertainment, refreshments and door prizes. There will also be an awards presentation for the top adult individual, the top youth individual, the team with the most walkers, the top adult team and the "battered boot" award.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Kelly Quackenbush is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3228, or e-mail her at kquackenbush@themeridianstar.com.