Like the lucky leprechaun leading the three-kilometre Mad Hatter’s Fun Run, the prize table is a much-loved tradition.
Leadership students of St. Patrick’s elementary swarmed Estevan and Oak Bay villages in search of top prizes to pick from the table after the fun run this weekend, said teacher Samantha Butler.
Approaching businesses builds on the kids’ public speaking skills, while they gather intriguing items for the table.
“It’s amazing what the kids get,” she says, recounting the year the kids clamoured to get a little statue donated by an antique store.
St. Patrick’s has organized the race for a few years now, and they continue the other tradition of giving funds raised back to the Every Step Counts program through Victoria Cool Aid Society.
They also collect donated personal items.
“So your entry fee would be $5 and a toothbrush. We also collect any personal care items like toothpaste, soap and socks,” Butler says. “Victoria Cool Aid Society makes sure the items get to where they’re needed.”
A varying 50 to 100 people of all ages and abilities do the three-kilometre run each year during the Oak Bay Tea Party.
“It follows the parade route right before the parade and everyone’s there waiting for the parade and it’s very exciting,” she says.
The run starts at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 7 at Windsor Park and follows the parade route. Parents with strollers and babies are encouraged to participate.
Pick up your entry form at Frontrunners, many Oak Bay stores and the school.