The Mountain Education Foundation springtime fundraiser, Dash & Bash, will be held on Friday, April 26 from 5-8 p.m. outside of the Signal Mountain Middle/High School, 2650 Sam Powell Trail.
Officials said, ""The MEF event truly is a bash in every sense of the word, with 2,500 attendees and 600 runners estimated to register and participate.
"Back by popular demand, this year will include the Mountain Mile, a one-mile fun run that starts at the SMMHS and loops beside the Shackleford Ridge Park Soccer Pavilion.
The Bash community party, with inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides and many of the favorite activity booths, has a small-town block party feel and will offer a variety of food trucks for fun culinary options. Hundreds of people young and old attend the Bash, even if they choose not to enter the Dash.
"This year will feature booths and activities for all ages and interests. For the younger children the traditional favorites are the petting zoo and the kiddie carnival. They also enjoy activities led by Signal Mountain school groups, including Face Painting, Arm Wrestle a Wrestler, Glitter Tattoos and Rent an Eagle, (where a football player will walk around with your child for a period of time). Inflatables for children of all ages will be available for play, including Enchanted Castle, Paralyzer Obstacle Course, Gladiator Obstacle Course, Vortex, Leaps and Bounds, Pirate Ship, Fire and Ice slide and Human Foosball."
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 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.”
Open to the public, all are welcome to attend the Dash and Bash, a key fundraiser to benefit Signal students. Funds raised through the event contribute to the annual MEF grant allocations for Nolan Elementary, Thrasher Elementary and Signal Mountain Middle/High School, the three Signal Mountain public schools. 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: MEFtoday.org.
Advance race registration and discount tickets and wristbands are available through April 22. The link for registration is found on the MEF website, 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. 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 25 from 5-7 p.m. Race day registration is available with pricing increasing to $40 for all runners and wristbands. All sales are final, and the event will be held rain or shine.
“We want everyone to come out, have fun and feel the spirit of our community. 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. Net proceeds from the event will directly impact the funding available for Signal schools next year, so we hope for a phenomenal turnout! 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 2,800 children, and is tax deductible,” said MEF Executive Director Hilarie Robison.