Attendees of the Mountain Education Foundation springtime fundraiser, the Dash and Bash, will see some changes. This year’s event will be held on Friday, April 28, 5:30-8 p.m., at the recreational soccer fields behind Signal Mountain Middle/High School.
New this year will be the Mountain Mile, a one-mile fun run through the area of the Signal Mountain Middle High-School campus; this will take the place of the previous 5K and 1-mile options. The location for the event will also be new, with the Bash community party at the Signal Mountain recreational soccer fields (weather permitting). Back again are the inflatables, petting zoo and many of the favorite activity booths. For the first time, the Bash will include a wide variety of food trucks for culinary options.
“We are incredibly excited about Dash and Bash this year, with some new changes and additions," said HIlarie Robinson, executive director of the Mountain Education Foundation. "Having fun with families and friends of all ages is something we look forward to, enjoying the fellowship and camaraderie among our school community."
The Bash has a small town block party feel, with a DJ, activities, inflatables, and food. Hundreds of people young and old attend the Bash, even if they choose not to enter the Dash.
There will be booths and activities for all ages and interests. For the younger children the traditional favorites are the petting zoo and the kiddie carnival with rides. The biggest hits run by school groups have typically been Arm Wrestle a Wrestler and Rent an Eagle, (where a football player will walk around with your child for a period of time). Returning are the Tubs of Fun Carnival Ride, Ninja Wall, a bounce house and many sports booths.
The Bash also has a wide variety of food options. This year, individual food trucks will be on hand to offer everything from burgers and barbecue to hibachi and Mexican to shaved ice and more. Food truck vendors will accept cash or credit cards and donate a portion of proceeds back to MEF.
“The DAB is a wonderful event for the community to come together to have fun while supporting our public schools on Signal Mountain,” said Emily Cooper, one of the original organizers of the inaugural Dash and Bash in 2015.. It is like a big block party that brings us together as a community to celebrate our wonderful schools, amazing students and dedicated teachers. It is events like the DAB that make Signal Mountain such a great place to live and raise a family!”
The MEF fundraising event truly is a bash in every sense of the word, with 2500 attendees and 600 runners estimated to register and participate. An event of this size takes heart, and many helping hands, said officials.
“Dash and Bash planning is a five or six month process and truly takes a village.” shared Tifni Herlevic, MEF event coordinator. Herlevic and MEF events colleague Whitney Garvich lead a volunteer Dash and Bash committee that consists of 16 people. “On the day of the event we probably have over 100 volunteers, and we couldn’t do it without them.”
“One of my favorite things is that many of our volunteers are high school students,” Ms. Herlevic continued. “Clubs and sports teams run the booths and many of the activities. I find they enjoy the event just as much as the participants. I feel like people leave the event thinking, 'this is why I love our schools and our mountain.'”
The Dash and Bash welcomes all ages, skill levels, and abilities. The support of sponsors helps ensure it is a successful fundraiser. MEF seeks business sponsors to cover the event costs for DAB so that all funds raised can directly benefit the schools.
Funds raised through the event contribute to the annual MEF grant allocations for Nolan, Thrasher and SMMHS. Each school determines how they will use their funding each year. Traditionally they have prioritized hiring staff for classes and needs not covered by public funding, including STEM, Spanish, Tech/Computers, Tutoring, Intervention, and more. A complete list of what is funded this year by donations to MEF is at: https://meftoday.org/
Advance race registration and discount tickets and wristbands are available through April 24. The link for registration is found on the MEF website, https://meftoday.org. Early registration is $25 for the fun run. There is no entry fee for the Bash, though there are costs associated with activities and food vendors. Wristbands for unlimited Bash activities can be purchased in advance for $30. Day-of prices at the event are higher.
Pre-registered runners can pick up packets at the SMMHS on Thursday, April 27, 5-7 p.m. Race day registration is available with pricing increasing to $40 for all runners and wristbands. There are no refunds and the event will be held rain or shine. If field conditions are muddy, the Bash will be moved back to the SMMHS parking lot, its former home.
“We want everyone to come out, have fun and feel the spirit of our community," said Ms. Robison. "There is no entry fee to just come enjoy the huge block party atmosphere and have fun with friends. Running in the Mountain Mile, participating in the booth activities with a wristband or tickets, and buying food, all contribute to funds raised for our schools. If you're not able to attend at all, you can always make a contribution at MEFtoday.org. An investment of any amount makes a difference for our 2,600+ children, and is tax deductible."