Great White Tail Run comes to Skamokawa May 17

The 41st Annual Wahkiakum 4-H Great White Tail Run takes place on Saturday, May 17. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Skamokawa Vista Park Office (5 Vista Park Rd.), and the run starts at 10 a.m. Several walks/runs are available, including 10K, 5K or the “two mile” through the Julia Butler Hansen National Refuge in Skamokawa. Participants can register online or in person at the registration table. Contact run coordinator Lisa Frink, Wahkiakum 4-H Program Coordinator at lfrink@wsu.edu or by phone at 360-795-3278.

Recognition will be given for overall male and female winners in each event, with ribbons for the top three finishers in each age division. Only socialized dogs are allowed. Dogs should be at least 6-months old with current vaccinations. Dogs must be on leash at all times and stay on the designated course. Female dogs in season are not permitted.

This race is sponsored by Wahkiakum 4-H Leaders Council. The Washington State University 4-H Youth Development Program is a county-based program with educational support from the University. Youths age kindergarten through 19 years are involved in learning life skills through working in project areas with adult volunteer leaders. 4-H encourages responsibility, decision-making, record keeping, and teamwork. This event is a fundraiser for the Wahkiakum County based 4-H program, and all proceeds will be used to benefit the county program. “Wahkiakum County has a strong tradition of 4-H, and home to the first 4-H club in the state in 1914 in Seal River,” said Wahkiakum County Extension Director Carrie Shofner. “Family members of that original club membership are still active now. Our 4-H tradition of community service and youth development is strong in Wahkiakum County. We see the impact in our youths’ success at the state level and beyond, whether it be top honors for their projects at state fair or leadership in state 4-H responsibilities.”

To register online, visit runsignup.com/Race/WA/Skamokawa/GreatWhiteTailRun. The Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge, in addition to protecting endangered deer, is also a wintering area for waterfowl on the Pacific flyway. Skamokawa Vista Park has showers, playgrounds, yurts, overnight campsites and RV accommodations. For reservations at this park, call 360-795-8605.