DEXTER -- Three Rivers College and Dexter Parks and Recreation are partnering to provide a weekend of fitness, food and fun in East Park with summer festivities and a foot race aimed at the entire family.
The Dash-n-Splash 5K will kick things off at 6 p.m. Friday with a 3.1-mile run and 1-mile walk. Proceeds will benefit TRC-Dexter's Student Success Fund, which assists with scholarships and other special projects.
"Right now, we are working to raise funds to add a student study area to the Dexter location, so we are earmarking a portion of the proceeds to benefit that initiative," explained Michelle Reynolds, Three Rivers College Director of Development.
A 'dash' of 'splash' was added to this year's race not only to help beat the heat, Reynolds said, but to incorporate a few offerings of the Dexter parks department.
"Once our participants finish their run/walk, the parks and rec department are graciously allowing runners, walkers and their spouses and/or children to hop in the pool and splash around," Reynolds said.
Same day registration begins at 5 p.m. and is $25. The Dexter Aquatic Center will be open until 7:30 p.m., Reynolds said, which is past normal operating hours.
The third annual community celebration, Grille It Up, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and will feature a mud volleyball tournament, car show, cook-off and various live musical performances. Admission to the day-long event is free.
Dexter Parks and Recreation's Melissa Stevens said Grille It Up, always held the second Saturday in July, aims to draw folks into Dexter and highlight what the city has to offer.
Last year, Stevens said, approximately 2,000 people attended the event. She anticipates this year's number to climb.
Stevens said approximately 10 food vendors were scheduled as of Monday afternoon. Bounce houses, a beer garden and helicopter rides will also fill the park.
Musical acts will perform from noon until 7 p.m. The Brothers Walker take the stage at noon, followed by Jesse Hammock at 1:15 p.m., Swamp Whiskey at 2:30 p.m., Danetta Mason Band at 4 p.m., and Cynderblok at 5:30 p.m.
To register as a food, snack, or craft vendor, to participate in the car show or cook-off, or to simply learn more information about the Dash-n-Splash 5K or Grille It Up, call the Dexter Parks and Recreation Office at 573-624-8244 or visit the website at dexterpark-rec.com.