What a fun day at Jefferson High School! The Publix Too Good For Drugs Junior Gasparilla Distance Classic. Roxanne Wilder, here.
I had the honor of emceeing the event, and it definitely was an exciting day. I arrived at 8:00 A.M. for a little pre-show planning. The gates were open and kids were already filing in. We started our announcements on stage at about 8:30. Thanks to Susan “Gasparilla” the day ran very smoothly. Susan, I appreciate you making me a part of this.
I introduced the kids in attendance to all the mascots who came out to watch the race: Mendez Foundation’s Carman & Wagner; Kelloggs Tony the Tiger; 501st Legion’s Star Wars characters; Plato the Publixsaures; Pepperjack, the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Parrot.
We had another special guest to introduce to the crowd. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor joined in on the fun on stage and did some hula hooping with Mason Dixon.
At around 9:15, it was time for the gang from Tampa Parks and Recreation to come up on stage and get everyone to stretch and basically, just get the kids fired up for the race.
Cindy from Tampa Parks and Rec asked for parents to come up on stage and enter a dance contest. I wasn’t planning on it, but Doug insisted I do it so that our daughter would learn by example to not be shy. I didn’t know what dance moves to do for the kids, but at the last minute, I’m like “Let me pull out some old break-dancing moves.” Good times.
At 10:00 A.M, it was time for the races to begin. We started with the tiniest racers. The two’s kicked things off, and they were so adorable. Moms and Dads ran with them. Some needed a little assistance crossing the finish line. All the kids got a medal because today really was just about coming together and having a great time.
