By any measure, Friday night’s Charley Melvin Mad Bomber Run for Your Life was a success.
More than 1,000 runners and walkers packed the Iola square at 12:26 Saturday morning to participate in its cornerstone event.
It was a mad house. A wonderful, crazy, fun-filled night that brought families, out-of-towners and multi-generations together in good healthy fun.
The event met its goal of surpassing the 1,000 mark of walkers and runners. Up from 800 in 2011, and 600 in 2010. If organizers keep it up, the Charley Melvin will become a significant tourism draw for southeast Kansas.
Thanks go to Thrive Allen County and Allen County Crime Stoppers for their efforts for coordinating the fourth annual Charley Melvin.
From what began as an infamous act of single-handed terrorism on Iola in 1905 has turned into a charming celebration which capitalized on the name of Charley Melvin.
Besides the multiple venues of entertainment and activities, the biggest reward of the night was the chance to mingle with hundreds of people from throughout the county. A light breeze helped sweep away remnants of the day’s heat, leaving a beautiful night for camaraderie.
Business-wise, restaurants and bars around the square were brimming with crowds. A peek into Sidelines around 11:30 p.m. showed it packed with runners and walkers, by evidence of their race numbers affixed to their shirts.
Are their improvements to be made? Always. But not without your help. Remember, many hands make light work.
— Susan Lynn
