Chickathon 5K proceeds to go to hurrican relief

SPARTA-St. Mary's Episcopal Church plans to hold a fine feathered 5K Chickathon on Sept. 25 as a way to help hurrican-stricken New Orleans. Money raised for the run was originally to go to Heifer International, a non-profit organization working to end world hunger by giving cows, goats and other food and income producing livestock to impoverished families around the world. Hence the name "Chickathon." The church has asked Heifer International if the funds could instead be dedicated to hurrican victims. The charity agreed. Among the critters participating in the fun run/walk are Biker Chick, Rhode Island Fred, Coop Crusader and the Phantom Bantam. Prizes will be awarded to the person who arrives in the best chicken costume and for a rubber chicken toss. All participants in the run/walk will also receive a prize. Afterwards, the church will sponsor a chicken barbecue on the church grounds on Conestoga Trail, just off Route 181 in Sparta. For more information, call 973-729-3136.