Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Andalusia Office Professionals Association looks forward to its 3rd Annual Monster Mash Dash 5K Glow Run and Walk.

AOPA first held the Monster Mash Dash 5K event in October 2018. This year’s event will take place Saturday, Oct. 23 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Andalusia City Hall. All participants will receive a Monster Mash Medal, which is new this year.

“As a club, we were brainstorming ideas about how to raise money to support our benevolence and outreach fund. In the past, we have hosted pageants, paint parties, and other small fundraisers but wanted to offer something that was larger and gave us a way to be active in the community as well,” coordinator Camaro King said.

King added that several club members had been participating in the local Run for God program at the time. “We recognized that we had an opportunity to bring another event to Andalusia and raise money for AOPA. Once the idea of doing a Halloween-themed glow run was presented, we all got excited and ran with it. Our first event was very successful and had over 100 participants. We were able to use the funds to give back to numerous families and organizations in our community.”

There is a race fee of $25 for runners and walkers. Registration will increase to $30 the day of the event. “If we are unable to hold the race due to COVID restrictions, we will offer a virtual option and mail out shirts and medals,” Coordinator Camaro King said. “We will hold on-site registration and packet pickup from 4:30 until 6 p.m. Wear your costume if you dare.”

Registration forms can be found at PowerSouth, Sanbuck Insurance, Southeast Gas, or the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce. To register online, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Andalusia/AOPAMonsterMashDash5K.

Awards will be presented to first, second, and third place overall in the Run and Walk category. Finishers in first, second, and third will be recognized per age division in both male and female categories. In addition, costume contest prizes will be handed out. The age divisions are 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and up.

King said this event is fun and exciting for all ages. “Monster Mash is not only for runners but for anyone looking for an opportunity to get out and try something new. We encourage our participants to dress up as their favorite characters for Halloween and strut their costumes for everyone to see. We love to see the families that do themed group costumes and make this a family experience. We offer prizes for children ages 5 and up for participating and dressing up. We have had mommas come out with their baby still in a stroller and make that part of their costume as well.”

Smash Mouth Foods will be onside with their food truck starting at 4 p.m. until the race is over. There will be costume prizes for both adults and children and other activities such as corn hole and a Monster Mash-themed photo booth, according to King. “Following the race, we will have a DJ and present awards for the 5K and costume contest. Award groups will be based on age and gender,” she said.

All proceeds from the Monster Mash Dash will go to the Andalusia Office Professionals Association Benevolence Fund. “The AOPA believes in helping our community. Our organization is involved with community activities such as Relay for Life, the Covington County Fair, Taste of Covington County, The Full Tummy Project, Community Christmas, Dream Park renovations, Community Caring for Children fundraising, and many more,” she said.

King said the Monster Mash Dash will help money for their organization’s benevolence fund. “All the proceeds from the race go back into our community 100 percent and not into our club funds. We are so blessed that the community has come out each year and continued to support us. We have been able to give back to so many families and organizations throughout our area thanks to the community’s continued support.”

The organization has made numerous donations to local area schools with school supplies, contributed military packages, and supplies for hurricane and tornado victims.

“These are only a few of the activities and donations our organization has made over the years. We strive to be a productive member of our community and provide help where it is needed.”

King stated Andalusia Office Professionals Association is always looking for new members.

“AOPA is a great way to meet other office professionals in our community, and community outreach and benevolence are only a small part of our club. Our main goal is to organize the office professionals in our community in order to cultivate friendly relationships, promote mutual understanding, and encourage higher standards and continued education,” she said.

Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at Tabby D’s at noon.

“If you are interested in AOPA, we would love to answer any questions or have you join us at our next meeting. We also want to thank the community for their continued support of our annual Monster Mash Dash and hope everyone will come join us this year,” King said.