Don Burns is a man of many faces. Most days, he is a resident of Gas and works in operations and maintenance for USD 257. But every year Burns reinvents himself in honor of Iola’s Mad Bomber Run for Your Life.
“It’s such an unusual event,” Burns said. “It’s so fun to run with 500 to 1,000 people.” The 5k walk/run begins at 12:26 a.m. Sunday, the same time that Charley Melvin bombed several saloons in 1905 to protest the evils of alcohol consumption.
Burns participates in the Mad Bomber Run in a striped jailbird outfit each year, in honor of the Mad Bomber himself.
“We’re not celebrating terrorism, we’re commemorating a page of Iola’s history,” he said.
Last year, some descendants of Melvin also wore jailbird outfits and joined in the festivities.
“It’s great fun and it helps promote the activities,” he said. “I don’t know that I have a favorite part. I like the whole experience.”
Speaking of experiences, Burns also participates in the event’s Drag Race, donning a dress and wig to get into the spirit. He wears something different each year. Last year he dressed up as Dorothy from the “Wizard of Oz.”
“The first year we had to twist some arms to get people to participate,” he said, but like every activity in the Mad Bomber Run, it has grown enthusiastically and now there is no shortage of men in dresses. The drag race also does not require a registration fee like the regular walk and run do, so anyone can join in. The drag race is from 8 to 9 p.m. on the square.
And for those wardrobe challenged, they even have costumes available.
“It fits perfectly with the quirky nature of the entire event,” said David Toland, executive director of Thrive Allen County. “It’s lighthearted and fun and gives people a chance to laugh at themselves and others — in a friendly way.”
Toland said his dress was actually quite comfortable.
“You’re well-ventilated,” he said.
His friend Tim McDermeit agreed, calling his dress “breezy.”
“Last year it was pretty itchy,” McDermeit said of the green sequin dress he wore last time.
McDermeit said he liked being able to help the community and Thrive Allen County. Burns also liked the fact that the event was a fundraiser that gives back to the community, and it was also great to see the big smile on everybody’s faces.
“It’s the most fun you’ll ever have in a dress,” he said.
