- Meyersdale Area School District
- Overview
Raider Fest held August 19
MEYERSDALE – Raider pride is greater than ever and students, staff and the community will gather for the 2017 Annual Raider Fest on Saturday, August 19.
Hosted by the Meyersdale Athletic Boosters, this special event is designed to re-ignite our Raider pride and kick-off the upcoming 2017-2018 school year.
Raider Fest promisers to be bigger and more exciting than ever, with an afternoon and evening filled with activities and events for all ages.
The event will begin at 3 p.m. with the 2nd Annual Raider Fest Color Run. Pre-registration was held until July 31st which guaranteed anyone who registered by this date a t-shirt. Volunteers will also be accepting registration on the day of the race. The Athletic Boosters is sponsoring the run along with the following sponsors, Stewart Transportation, Meyersdale Parks and Recreation, Mardiann Vincent and Mother's Friend Daycare. Registration begins at 3 p.m. at the pavilion across from the Athletic field. This also is the start and finish line for the run/walk. Run/walk start time is 3:30 p.m. for the 1.5 mile loop around the school district. Participants are encouraged to bring strollers or wagons for youngsters. Beginning at 3:35 p.m., the road to the school will be closed to automobile traffic to ensure the safety of participants. Registered participants will receive free admission to Raider Fest activities held later in the evening.
According to event organizer, Mindy Pletcher, the Meyersdale Fire Department will have a firetruck at the race assisting along with Meyersdale Borough Police covering traffic control. There will be seven stations, along the route, where Student Council and NHS students will be throwing color powder on participants as they go along the route. The color powder is completely safe and will wash out of clothing.
“The Athletic Boosters want to thank everyone who is helping us make the Raider Fest Color Run bigger and better this year. Our goal is to make it better each year so we hope everyone comes out and makes this an annual family fun event. Forms can be picked up at the high school office or Gindy's Gym,” Pletcher explained.
Following the Color Run, the road will re-open and the evening’s events will commence at 5 p.m. Admission for students is fee and members of the community will be charged a small fee to attend, all proceeds benefitting the Athletic Boosters. Food and refreshments will be served throughout the evening, as well as a “Out of the Shell 4 U” with a great variety of flavored nuts for purchase. A 50/50 raffle will also be held.
According to Meyersdale Director of Athletes, Craig Gindlesperger, the evening will be filled with fun events and activities for all ages.
The Dunk Tank is back by popular demand and attendees will have the opportunity to “dunk” High School Principal John Wiltrout; Head Football Coach Mike Swank; High School English Teacher and Musical Director Ian Edwards; or Secretary and Coach Ginger Geiger. Events will also include a Golf Chipping Contest, Bounce House, Radar Speed throwing events and the Corn Hole Tourney will begin at 6 p.m.
At 7:30 p.m., the Red Raider Marching Band, Pride of the Tribe, will perform their half-time show, in conjunction with Meyersdale Youth Football and Cheer presentations. Members of the Red Raider athletic teams will be introduced. The evening will finish with the annual Bonfire at approx. 8:20 pm., behind the press box, at the stadium.
“This is one of the largest fund raisers of the year for the Athletic Boosters and it looks to be bigger and better than ever,” explained Gindlesperger. “We hope to see everyone come out and help us kick-off the Meyersdale Red Raider fall sports season.”