It's Time to Register for the PAT Strollerthon, 5K and KidFest

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Dexter, Missouri - It's that time of the year we all wish Spring was just a little closer!  Mark your calendar as the 2014 Dexter Parents As Teachers Strollerthon, 5K and KidFest will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014.  This event will be full of fun for every member of your family!

The PAT Strollerthon, 5K and KidFest will be held at Southwest Elementary School in Dexter.  The morning will follow a similar schedule as last year with registration starting at 8 a.m., 5K at 8:30, KidFest opening at 9 and "Strollerthon" at 10:00 a.m. 

The Parents As Teachers’ Egg Hunt will follow the Strollerthon. Even the Easter Bunny will be stopping by to check out everyone's strollers and visit with the PAT kids while they hunt eggs!

The first event is a 5K Run/Walk. 5k walkers and runners will be completing 3.1 miles that will provide them with a "Tour of Dexter Schools."   This is not a race, but a chance to be active with their children. This is an opportunity for everybody, not just parents and grandparents, to get an active start this Spring and support a great community program! No need to bring a stroller for the 5k - Just lace up the old sneakers or running (or walking) shoes and meet them at the large crayons in front of Southwest Elementary at 8:30 a.m.  Their route has only a few small hills and will take participants around each of Dexter's schools and a few nearby neighborhoods.  Maps provided to participants will have interesting tidbits and information about the buildings you will pass.

KidFest, introduced last year, will be returning!  KidFest is a FREE, fun, interactive area where parents and children are able to meet PAT sponsors, find out about the goods and services they provide, and participate in developmentally appropriate activities. Last year's KidFest booths included a sticker activity from Bootheel Pediatric Therapy, a "Scentsy" smelling station provided by Ashley Williams, balloons handed out by Liberty Hill General Baptist, scribble-art and a book give-a-way with First Baptist Church, kid's self defense tips by Carillo Martial Arts, a science table from the Malden Bootheel Youth Museum, sensory exploration bags from Jennifer Pittman (31 Bags consultant), and a fun Photo Booth from Chris Brannan (State Farm Insurance)!

Not up for a 5k (3.1 miles), but have a cute kid and a stroller? Register for the Strollerthon!!! Bring your decorated stroller and display it with your child during a 1 mile fun walk at Southwest before the PAT egg hunt. Spectators will be able to vote for their choice as "Best Decorated Stroller" by placing dollars in that stroller's designated jar.  FANTASTIC prizes awarded to the top 3 strollers!  Also, impartial judges who will choose one stroller that really stands out will award “Judges Choice”.  Look to your favorite children’s books for decorating inspiration.  

All registered 5k and Strollerthon participants will receive a t-shirt, swag bag, water and refreshments with their $20 registration.

Registration forms can also be found at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce website (www.dexterchamber.com) or on the bookcase at Southwest Elementary School. 

You can also contact the PAT office at 614-1004.  Parents may also find information on the PAT Facebook page, Dexter Parents as Teachers by clicking HERE.

Trim off the bottom portion and send it with your fee to PAT Strollerthon and 5k c/o Melanie Stoelting, 915 W. Grant, Dexter MO, 63841, by Thursday, March 13, 2014, to guarantee your shirt on race day. Extra shirts will be available in limited sizes on race day.

All proceeds from the day will go toward providing information, support, and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial, earliest years of life.  Parents As Teachers provides free health, hearing, vision and developmental screenings for children birth to 36 months old and home visits where parent educators and parents discuss developmental topics such as sleep, nutrition, discipline, health, etc.  Your participation will help PAT reach more families through group connections such as "Big Truck Night," "Mommy and Me Fitness," and "The Best Place to Read."  

Thank you for your continued support in helping make Parents as Teachers program one of the most successful in the state!