Douglas residents, teams to raise money for Special Olympic athletes during cold water jump
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The Douglas community's "Below Zero Heroes" will take the plunge into icy waters on Feb. 15, 1:45 p.m. at Douglas High School. Funds raised at the event are used to support Special Olympics Wyoming athletes, several of whom are from Douglas.
"It's the athletes," says Douglas Chief of Police Ron Casalenda, who has been volunteering his time to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics for 26 years. The Jackalope Jump is one aspect of those broader fundraising efforts. "Once you have been involved with presenting the athletes medals and watching their enthusiasm, it's contagious."
Teams and individuals, as outlined on the event poster below, are being encouraged to participate in the event. 2019 marks the 18th year that the Jackalope Jump has been held in Wyoming. It reaches beyond Douglas with several communities across Wyoming holding similar gatherings, or Wyoming-style polar plunges.
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"Some communities," says Casalenda, "jump into an open body of water. In Douglas we jump into a water bladder that we borrow from the Bureau of Land Management."
Casalenda says, "Every penny raised stays in Wyoming." He noted that at the time of this interview that over a half a dozen Douglas athletes were competing in the Special Olympic's Winter Games in Jackson. A greater number, he noted, partake in the summer events.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics started with a small group in Wichita Kansas, and has spread across the world. "In 2017," says Casalenda, "the effort raised $56 million for the Special Olympics."
The dollars ensure that all athletes can participate by eliminating the need for entry fees. The funds help purchase equipment and host the competitive gatherings.
Local participants set a goal to raise $11,000 at this year's local jump. According to the event website, people are starting to sign up and donations are arriving. You can help by creating your own team, or making a pledge to an already committed jumper. Click through at the link below for more information, or to donate.
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Remember Douglas businesses this holiday
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Think locally this Valentine's Day
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Whether you're buying roses, baking cookies, going out for dinner, or to a movie, The Enterprise would like to encourage you to think locally this holiday. "Especially during the winter months," says Cindy Porter, Executive Director of The Enterprise, "the revenue associated with holidays like Valentine's Day can make a big difference to small businesses. Where we spend our money truly does matter."
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Mark your calendar for upcoming events, including a SUMMER full of fun!
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Summer will be here before we know it....WE PROMISE! Now is the perfect time to begin planning your participation in several area gatherings whether you are an attendee, an event coordinator or a vendor. Please find below a growing list of dates, as we know them, for the months ahead. If you know of something that should be added, please drop us a note.
March 2019 • Dessert with Your Legislators
We will announce the date as soon as our elected officials return from the legislative session.
April 2019 • Community Awards Banquet
Stay tuned for details!
May 2, June 6, July 11, Aug. 8 • First Thursdays
Join the downtown Douglas merchants, and a wide variety of vendors, for a fun evening.
June 6-9, 2019 • Jackalope Days
A brewfest, two events at the Railroad Museum, a street dance, a car show, a fun run, dachshund races and a wide variety of other festivities are being planned.
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Monday evenings in July • Movies on a Train
Head for Locomotive Park, the area surrounding the Douglas Railroad Museum, for "Movies on a Train." Western movies are played on a giant screen mounted on the side of the steam locomotive. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
Aug. 13-17, 2019 • Wyoming State Fair
It's the perfect time to gather in Douglas for
fun on the fairway!
Aug. 17, 2019 • Wyoming State Fair Parade
Make plans now to have a float in the Wyoming State Fair Parade. The Enterprise will again be teaming up with local partners to host this long-standing Douglas tradition.
Saturdays in August and September
Jackalope Square Farmers Markets
Local craftspeople, gardeners and more will be in Jackalope Square from 9 a.m. to noon selling locally grown and made items.
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Thank you to our Corporate Members!
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Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
—Henry David Thoreau
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