By India Pilgrim
Looking for a way to kick start St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? Come join the Shamrock Stroll benefitting a great cause in downtown Jasper.
The third annual Shamrock Stroll .5K is set for Saturday, March 14. The race will take place in downtown Jasper, beginning at the Board of Education building and ending at South Main and Spring Streets starting at 5 p.m. Proceeds from the race will go toward providing scholarships for Pickens County students attending Reinhardt University. 
“The funds raised help fund the Pickens Scholars program. This program was established three years ago to mirror the Cherokee Scholars in Cherokee County. As of today, we have raised over $85,000 for Pickens County students attending Reinhardt,” said Dale Morrissey, senior director of constituent engagement. “The goal for 2019-2020 is to raise $30,000 for these scholars.”
The pre-registration fee is $25 and includes one beverage ticket, T-shirt, medal and race bib. To guarantee a T-shirt, participants must be registered by Feb. 28.
Registration on race day begins at 4 p.m. and is $30, students run for $15, and kids five and under run for free. Additional shirts, while supplies last, can be purchased $10 for kids and $15 for adults. Pre-registration pickup is Friday, March 13 from 2-5 p.m. at Pickens County Chamber of Commerce.
To register or sponsor a runner visit Reinhardt.edu/stroll.
Awards will be given out for the following categories: first through third for Most Creative Costume (male and female), first through third for Most Creative Dog Costume, Grandest Leprechaun (male and female), Youngest Leprechaun (male and female) and Pickens County Schools club/team with the most participants.
Once the race is complete, there will be a Finish Line Party including a food truck park, adult beverages, face painting, rock painting, bounce house, door prizes, live music and contests. Pets are also welcomed at the event.
“My hope is that the community realizes this is a fun event with a family atmosphere and will come out to support our students. I hope the local school system will get deeply involved and encourage staff and students to participate,” said Amberle Godfrey, Pickens Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “There are sponsorships available for local businesses as well as team opportunities. Let’s all rally around our youth and education.”
Register online or sign up for a sponsorship at Reinhardt.edu/stroll. For more information about sponsorships, contact Dale Morrissey, senior director of constituent engagement, at 770.720.5506 or DSM1@reinhardt.edu.
