By Ashley Winch

Marshfield Area United Way Marketing & Campaign Coordinator

Summer in Wisconsin in my opinion is the best time of the year. There are so many things to enjoy: picnics, parks, swimming, fishing, and campfires, just to name a few. The only thing I do not like about summer is how fast time goes. It seems trying to fit in a year’s worth of activities into a short three months leaves me exhausted — in a good way — and having to choose which activities I have time for and also which I am able to afford.

In the coming weeks, United Way has a couple of fun, family-friendly activities planned that will not consume a lot of your time nor hurt your pocket book. Additionally, these events will encourage brain activity, get your heart rate going, and will also support fighting childhood hunger right here in the Marshfield area.

On Saturday, June 20, the third annual Children’s Book Swap will be held during Zoofest at Wildwood Park & Zoo. Children will be able to bring books they no longer read and swap them out for new ones. There is a good supply of gently used books at every grade level to choose from, so stop by from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. to get some new books to enjoy over the summer months.

Then, on Saturday, July 11, be a superhero and help Run Over Hunger. Wear your superhero gear for the third annual 5K event at Griese Park. Registration for the event is available online at active.com, or visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org to print a registration form. Registration will also be available starting at 8 a.m. on the morning of the race.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event, there will be a half-mile Kids Fun Run. Entry fee for the fun run is a donation of a nonperishable food item for the Nutrition On Weekends program. Current needs for the program include jelly, fruit cups, dried fruit, granola bars, fruit snacks, Cheerios, Raisin Bran, or Life cereal.

The 5K will start at 9 a.m. and is a chip-timed event, though walkers are also encouraged to participate. Awards will be given to top male and female finishers in six age groups. Proceeds from the 5K event will benefit the Nutrition On Weekends program. For more information about the program and/or the Run Over Hunger event, please visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org.