by Len Hill

This article is a continuation of the Lone Star Paper Chase Marathon preview in the May/June issue of ITR. For a complete preview of the Lone Star Paper Chase, pick up a copy of the May/June issue of ITR.

So you want to have a family outing, but you would like to sneak in a run also? A lot of your family members don't go to the running events, or if so do only to be supportive? They want an event too, not centered just on running. How about killing two birds with one stone? How about "Funfest"?

The 25th annual Memorial Weekend, three-day event will again happen this year in Thompson Park in cool and dry Amarillo. Beginning on the 25th of May and lasting through Memorial Day, the annual event will include plenty of food, events, music, sporting activities, and games. Just plenty of fun for all members of the family.

The Lone Star Paper Chase, sponsored by the Amarillo Globe-News, ushers in Funfest on Saturday morning beginning at 6:30 am. The LSPC includes a full marathon, 2 and 4 person relay marathon, a 5K, and a 2K Dog and Owner fitness walk. As the LSPC winds down and the awards are given out in the adjacent Wonderland Amusement Park pavilion, Funfest kicks off.

Funfest is sponsored jointly by the Junior League of Amarillo and the City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department. Promoted as an inexpensive family entertainment occasion, the organizers have gone to great extremes to provide something for everyone. Local non-profit organizations sell food and beverages or sponsor game booths for area causes. Top name musical entertainment is brought in for everyone's' listening pleasure. Donations by area individuals, businesses, and corporations provide the help and assistance to make it a success. Thousands of local residents chip in to volunteer their time and effort to make sure things go smoothly. Funfest has raised over 1.6 million dollars for area community projects as well as the Parks and Recreation Departments beautification and recreation programs.

This year's entertainment will include Rambler at 3:00 on Saturday and Chris Cagle at 6:00 PM. On Sunday Rascal Flatts will perform at 6:00 PM. Chad Brock will perform Monday at 3:00 PM and Tracy Byrd will close out Funfest with a 6:00 PM performance.

Funfest takes place the 25th, 26, and 27th of May, with a five- dollar admission each day. To register for the Lone Star Paper Chase, go to www.amarillonet.com.