Contests are planned in conjunction with the Friday, July 16, Special Olympics Torch Run through Auburn.
State Senator Tony Fulton, Auburn native, will be the special guest for the festivities.
There will be a Best Poster Contest for those 12 years and under. Children are encouraged to cheer on the runners with a poster.
There will also be a Best Candid Shot amateur photography contest. Photographers are encouraged to submit photos of the torch run, ceremonies or special events. Photos will be displayed at the Nemaha County Fair the last week of July. Please contact the Auburn Chamber of Commerce at 402-274-3521 for more information about the contests.
All are welcome to participate in the one-mile run. To register for the run, please call 402-274-3521. If you register by Thursday, July 1, you will receive a free T-shirt.
Volunteers, sponsors and contributions are still being sought. Volunteers are working on such aspects as food for the barbecue; water bottles for runners; T-shirts for runners and volunteers; and medals, medallions, souvenirs and prizes. Assistance will be needed with cleanup following the festivities.
The Auburn High School Show Choir will sing the national anthem at Legion Memorial Park. Other music is planned. The run will start at the park at 11:45 a.m. Ceremonies move to Auburn High School at noon. There will be a citywide barbecue at Auburn High School following the run. Olympic-style events are planned. There will be an awards ceremony with Fulton.
Fulton is a 1990 Auburn High School graduate. He received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1997 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Fulton was appointed to the Legislature in 2007 to replace Mike Foley, who resigned after being elected state auditor. He was elected to a full term in 2008. Fulton is a member of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee. He and his wife, Judy, have six children. Fulton is chief executive officer of Guardian Angels Homecare and a professional engineer.
The torch runners will come to Auburn from Falls City. After leaving Auburn, the runners will go through Tecumseh before proceeding to Lincoln.
Another meeting is planned Thursday, July 1 [today], at 4 p.m. Site will be determined.