Cherries and Berries Color Run grows into Family Fun Day

With a focus on recognizing and honoring law enforcement through a fun color run, this year's Cherries and Berries 5K event will be growing into something for everybody, according to event organizers. 

The event, which is slated for Saturday, May 10, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Big Walnut Sports Park, 2600 IN 240, Greencastle, will feature a 5K event, as well as a family fun day and is hosted by the Putnam County Fraternal Order of Police. 

"This is going to be our first family fun day but our third annual Cherries and Berries 5K. We are going to have a big event, and hoping everyone gets to come out. We are going to have really great weather. We will have our color run that is open to any ability on the paved track and you will get hit with washable, colored powder. We will also have food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, raffle baskets and a bunch of first responders will be there. It is going to be a good time by all. We are going to have fun, and we are looking forward to that positive interaction with the community," organizer Amanda Brown told The Putnam County Post. 

Brown said the idea of moving the event to a family fun day is the result of a desire to provide for the community.

"There is a higher need than historically has been. The more money we can raise at these events, the more people we can help. The more funds we can raise, the more kids we can help with school supply shopping and Christmas, and we will still be able to have our Christmas at the Courthouse, as well," Brown acknowledged. 

Funds raised will go to the FOP's fundraising events.

"We took close to 34 kids school shopping and we had 45 people we helped provide Christmas for. We are able to do these things in the community and provide a little bit of help when families are in need. We will be set up again at National Night Out with the FOP handing out school supplies. It is just a fun time," Brown said. 

Brown said Putnam County is a special place when it comes to its support for law enforcement. 

"It's not everyday you have a small county like this that has an actual Facebook group supporting law enforcement. It is one of those things you find in a small town. The amount of support we have is incredible. I made a small post asking if someone wanted to make raffle baskets, and people came out of the woodwork to help. It is amazing to see and we are so blessed to have that," Brown said. 

For more information or to get involved, email Brown at long.amanda72@icloud.com.