Alanson inflatable 1K draws in 55 participants, fundraising continues

ALANSON — If you found yourself near the Alanson Public Library Saturday morning, you may have had to ask yourself: What's with all the flamingos?

Children and adults alike filled the blacktop, all dressed in different inflatable costumes, ranging from flamingos, to aliens, to wolves and more.

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Right before 9 a.m., they lined up under an inflatable rainbow arch and prepared to run in the 2023 Alanson Inflatable 1K.

The event was thought up by Alanson fifth grade teacher Kevin VarnHagen, who wanted to find a creative way to raise money for field trips for the next school year. The trips are for an overnight trip to Camp Daggett and an overnight trip to Lansing.

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A total of 55 people participated in the race. Individuals running paid $20, and families running paid $40. VarnHagen said that while they didn't reach their fundraising goal, the event did qualify as a world record holder for the largest gathering of inflatable costumes for a 1K footrace.

The school will continue fundraising in the fall, and VarnHagen hopes to break the world record again next year.

— Contact reporter Karly Graham [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at@KarlyGrahamJRN.