Published December 4, 2019
TOWN COUNCILORS Julie Smith-Galvin, Ann McGonigle Santos and Mehreen Butt at the Thanksgiving PopUp 5K. (Courtesy Photo)
WAKEFIELD — It had become a new Wakefield tradition. A family-friendly 5K run/walk around Lake Quannapowitt on Thanksgiving morning drawing hundreds of people. For unknown reasons, the event was not organized this year, which is when Town Councilors Julie Smith-Galvin and Mehreen Butt stepped in. While it was too late to secure an official race timing company, Butt and Smith-Galvin organized a “Pop Up” event inviting anyone who wanted to run or walk an informal, untimed 5K to meet at the top of the lake. The event was free, but a voluntary donation to Wreaths Across America was suggested.
“Jay Pinette, chair of Wakefield’s Veteran Advisory Board had just shared at a Town Council meeting the Board’s goal of putting a wreath on every veteran’s grave at Forest Glade Cemetery. We thought using the Pop Up to support Wreaths Across America was a great match,” said Julie Smith-Galvin.
“We estimate that we had about 60 runners and walkers turn out, despite the gray morning. It was a great way to start Thanksgiving morning. Everyone was enthusiastic and eager to support Wreaths Across America,” said Mehreen Butt.
TOWN COUNCILOR Julie Smith-Galvin, former Selectman Jim Scott and his daughter Julie Scott at the Thanksgiving PopUp 5K. (Courtesy Photo)
Participants, many clad in turkey hats and tutus and accompanied by four-legged friends, received a free mini-pie at the conclusion of their lap around the lake. The event helped Wreaths Across America exceed its goal with nearly 400 wreaths sponsored to date. There will be a ceremony on Saturday, December 14 at 12 noon to remember and honor veterans at Forest Glade Cemetery by placing remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes and saying the name of each veteran aloud.
An effort is underway to bring back a formal 5K for Thanksgiving morning 2020.
