By Courtney Freeman
The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches annual Pancake Fest and 5k Color run kicked off right after 8 a.m.this past Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Collins Family Pavillion at NSU with a 1 mile fun run to get everyone warmed up for the main race. The 5k started at 8:45 a.m. with a fun blast of color as Kiwanis members coated the runners with vibrantly colored powders as they took off.
The race was officiated by Run Wild Shreveport, who did a wonderful job. NSU athletics were also key to the smooth running of the event. From hanging banners, helping with sign in and setting up water stations along the race route, they were a very present and helpful group.
Joining the event was the Natchitoches S.W.A.T team who gave a tour of their vehicle and equipment while answering questions. The Natchitoches fire department also brought an engine and a very happy child got to blow the air horn. The new bookmobile from the Natchitoches Library main branch was also present, they also brought their sno-cone machine for all attendees to get a cool treat as the day started to heat up.
The festival is the main fundraising event of the year for the Natchitoches Kiwanis. It began with selling tickets to the pancake breakfast, with the races later being added around 2017. The event has now evolved into donors purchasing different level sponsorships and the pancakes being free for all participants. This event funds the group’s goal of four service projects per year.
Such as a coat drive in the fall and gathering school supplies, new and gently used uniforms in the summer. These items are distributed by the school board’s central office throughout the parish schools each year.
The local chapter was established in 1946. The Kiwanis is a community service group with a focus on the children of the community. The Kiwanis have several service leadership programs.
The Terrific Kids program is well established in the parish schools. They also have begun work on K-kids and Builders club for elementary and middle school age children, Key club is for high school students and Circle K is for college age students. These programs are in progress of being established across the parish. Provencal will have a K-kids club by the end of the school year. Key clubs will be in NCHS and Lakeview by the end of the school year also. By spring a Circle K club will be instituted at NSU.
The festival was a wonderful event with a great purpose. To help children in need in our communities without expectation of recognition. To also start programs in parish schools to foster a lifestyle of service to our community and fellow men is commendable and will have a powerful effect on the next generations.
