Stand up against homophobia
Under the newly raised pride flag waving over town to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, OUT Jasper is hosting its fifth annual barbecue on May 17.
The event, from 5-8 p.m. at Lake Annette, offers free hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks. The barbecue is open to everyone and will also include activities. If needed, OUT Jasper can help with transportation.
For more information, visit OUT Jasper’s website at www.outjasper.com.
Pedal happy cyclists at auction
Patrons pedaled away happy after the Lions Club’s 39th annual bike auction on Saturday, May 11.
Club members auctioned off 75 bikes to eager customers, many of whom were in the market for a commuter cycle.
A total of $6,500 was raised. The auction is a major fundraiser for the Lions Club, said member Dave Neilson. The money will go toward projects and causes within Jasper’s community.
Parks employees and bylaw officers collected abandoned bikes for the annual event. As in past years, residents also donated unneeded cycles.
Club members inspected and fixed the bikes to ensure they functioned properly before going to new owners.
Stark to scale Great Wall marathon
Local runner Kim Stark will climb 5,164 steps into history this weekend when she competes in China’s Great Wall marathon.
The race is held along the Huangya Pass, Tianjin section of the Great Wall, east of Beijing. The course is tougher than most marathons due to the stone steps and many steep ascents and descents up to a 10 per cent grade.
Stark, who plans to complete a marathon on every continent, left for her trip to Asia on May 13. After she crosses the finish line at the Yin and Yang Square on May 18, race organizers will email the Fitzhugh a photo of Stark participating in the marathon.
A triumphant return
Greg Van Tighem was scheduled to arrive home from his 2,700 km solo bike ride yesterday, May 15.
Jasper’s fire chief was on a journey to bike from one end of Highway 93, beginning in Wickenburg, Ariz., to the other, right here in Jasper, in order to raise funds and awareness for the MS Society of Canada.
There was a celebration at the Mile Zero rock, which marks the start of Highway 93, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
For coverage of Van Tighem’s trek and his return, see next week’s issue of the Fitzhugh.
