By Kizzy Howell, City of Douglasville

City of Douglasville plans six-event-day October fest

This October will be packed with several exciting events in downtown Douglasville. The West Georgia Quad, Tike Ride, Main Street Market, Douglasville So You Think You Can Dance competition, Chili Cook-off and Moonlight Run will highlight the six-event-day to be held Saturday, Oct. 22.

"Registration is now open for all of the day's events. If you have never experienced Douglasville's October festivities, make this the year to attend. It's free and fun for the whole family," said Marcia Hampton, City of Douglasville Community and Downtown Services director.

The day will began at 8 a.m. with the West Georgia Quad bike ride in downtown Douglasville. Cyclists will test their skills on a four-county tour of Carroll, Douglas, Haralson and Paulding counties. Participates have the option of riding a 35-, 50- or 100-mile loop. Registration is $35 and a portion will be donated to the Douglas and Paulding County United Way. At 10 a.m., children six and younger will get in gear for the annual Douglasville Tike Ride. Training wheels will be allowed in this kid-friendly event. Registration is $15 per rider. For more information, or to register for the West Georgia Quad or Tike Ride, visit www.westgaquad.com or call 770-947-5920.   

The Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is currently seeking $250 and $500 sponsors for the event. "There are many opportunities to promote your business including goodie bag inserts, T-shirt promotions, a vendor table at the Main Street Market and much more," said CVB Sales Manager Randi Miles. Rest stop sponsorships are also available for $50. To become a sponsor, contact Miles at 678-715-6069.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Douglasville's Main Street Market will feature cycling, sports, fitness and health vendors on O'Neal Plaza. Applications for vendor booth spaces are available online by calling 678-715-6092. Booth spaces are $50 each.

So you think you can dance? Showcase your talent in the Douglasville So You Think You Can Dance competition, or come watch local talent as they perform from 1 to 3 p.m. during the Main Street Market. The dance competition is open to local dance studio and dance school groups, as well as middle and high school groups consisting of two or more dancers ages 18 and under. To register your group, contact Kizzy Howell at 678-715-6068. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in both youth and teen categories.

Following the Main Street Market, the Cultural Arts Council will hold its annual Chili Cook-off from 6 to 9 p.m. on O'Neal Plaza. In addition to the chili competition, the Halloween-themed event will feature a costume contest for children. Chili Cook-off vendor booths are $75 each. Participants will compete for "Most Sold" and "Best Tasting" chili. The “Best Presentation” award will be given for the most creatively decorated booth. To register or for more information, contact the Cultural Arts Council at 770-949-2787 or visit www.artsdouglas.org.

The Moonlight Run, sponsored by the Douglas County Rogue Runners, will be the final event of the day. Boasting a 32-year tradition, the run is an athletic event unique to Douglasville, and is the largest 5K and one-mile run in the southeast. The race begins at 7 p.m. with the Tot Trot and DC Road Runners one-mile, followed by the one-mile Fun Run at 7:30 p.m. and the 5K Run at 8 p.m. A health fair featuring local vendors will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Douglasville Conference Center in conjunction with the race. For more information on the run or health fair, visit www.dcroguerunners.com. Proceeds benefit the Douglas County Boys & Girls Club and the Arbor Station Elementary School track program.

For the first time, the City of Douglasville will host a transition free triathlon complete with swimming, cycling and running. On Oct. 22, athletes can compete in the three-event challenge by participating in the Boundary Waters Aquatic Center swim at 8 a.m., West Georgia Quad bike ride at 12 p.m. and Moonlight Run 5K at 8 p.m. For more information or to register for the triathlon, visit www.westgaquad.com or call 770-947-5920.