FOAM, FOAM AND MORE FOAM, returning to the Fairgrounds!

Last year’s debut at the Paris Fairgrounds provided to be a success for 5k Foam Fest organizers as they will be bringing the obstacle type race back to Paris this summer. Proceeds from the event support Make-AWish Foundation. Pictured above are some participants from last August. Photos by Michelle Malvaso

By Casandra Turnbull

The 5K Foam Fest brought its family-friendly course to the Paris Fairgrounds as one of its summer tour stops in 2022. It was wildly popular with participants with over 4,600 people participating in the one-day obstacle course and run that raises money for MakeA-Wish Canada. Participants were urged to Get Filthy Clean and in doing so, raised around $16,000 in online sales plus another $5,000 from the gear check the day of the event.

With a successful debut, it’s no wonder organizers are bringing it back to the Paris Fairgrounds again on Saturday, August 12th . The course will be similar to last year, in terms of layout and how more than 20 obstacles spanned the entire Agricultural Society grounds, but they always add something fun each year to make sure it’s a little different, teased Michael Lambert, Vice President and General Manager of 365 Sports Events.

“We had tons of good feedback from the last event. The weather was perfect and we saw tons of happy participants and smiles throughout the course,” said Lambert.

Last year’s stop in Paris was somewhat of a surprise to organizers who originally planned to hold it Chicopee Ski Resort before the pandemic hit. Due to renovations at the resort following the pandemic, there was a bit of a scramble to find a replacement venue. Paris checked all the boxes they were looking for, said Lambert.

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“We enjoyed working with the staff at the Paris Fairgrounds. The venue has such a great festival area and a fun course,” he added. This year’s summer tour goal is to raise $150,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada. They’re also introducing a ‘Go Green’ initiative aimed at reducing their carbon footprint.

“We have taken some pretty big steps as a company to reduce our environmental impact,” explains Lambert. “Our participant items like the buffs are made from recycled water bottles, remove all unnecessary plastics packaging from any items we procure for participants, we are going fully paperless, no bibs or bib buttons (digital offering), paper cups and giving all day staff and volunteers reusable water bottles.”

All partners, sponsors and participants are encouraged to do the same. Tickets are on sale now online, if you’d like to go down the world’s largest inflatable waterslide, duck through mucky mud pits or float through 2.5 million cubic feet of foam! The event is open for ages 7 and up and there will be a free kid’s zone for kids under 6, adult supervision required This zone will have a mini inflatable obstacle course, a bouncy castle and games.

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –You have been avoiding what needs to be done. Now you have to make a list of all the things you have been procrastinating on Then start the week out with just making plans and by the weekend you can get everything done If you do you will feel great, if not next week is going to be very busy

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –

You are ready to receive the love you deserve Open up and let the people that are surrounding you in They have been waiting for you to let them have a chance with you. A real connection is there. You have been distracted by work and will need to tie up some loose ends before you choose love

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) –Tension has built up with loved ones. If this is with your lover, then you may need to take a break from each other If it is with friends or family you have to take a moment to figure out what needs to be said and done to repair this awkward situation You are in the middle of this so you have to be the one to solve it.

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) – Career has taken centre stage lately. All your hard work is beginning to pay off. You need to take a moment away from everyone and everything so you can see clearly what you need to do next. Your love life also needs some thought and attention.

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –

You have been trying to do everything on your own. This week you will want a break, but you will avoid taking it. By the end of the week you will be exhausted and you will have to ask for help Your partner wants to support you and be a part of all you’re doing, so let them

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – You have goals

You have a great support system in the people around you Think about how you can use these people to help to reach all your March goals You may be resisting reaching out because you are being stubborn. Pick and choose where you can be stubborn.

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - Lots of erotic energy around you this week You will be feeling sexy and powerful. Use this energy to change your career path and to make bold moves in your love life. If you do not ask you can not receive

Scorpio: October 23November 21 (Water) – you are aligning. You will spend this week grounding yourself and searching for harmony in everything and everyone Take a walk out in the forest and connect with all that surrounds you You will not accomplish much until you find inner peace

Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – You will have to face the truth in your relationship You will have to have the conversations this week that you have been avoiding all month. Your career has some hiccups coming to you by mid week so you should plan a fun relaxing weekend

Capricorn: December 22January 19 (Earth) – You will have so many options coming at you this week. You need to make serious career choices that you have been putting off Your love life has been falling into a boring pattern, you will have to spice things up this weekend

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – Have a sit down this week with a close friend, they will guide you through the over thinking thoughts in your head You are tired of being disappointed in your love life, your career and self A trip is in order, get away even if it is for a night only.

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – You have a lot of takers hanging off of you You must start to decide who needs to go this week. You will be tired of all the people around. You have to tread lightly at work so you do not lose your temper. You will find a sense of peace by Friday, so just hang in and breathe

Tina Graziano was born an energy reader. She uses her gifts to heal and guide others as a life coach. If you need support and insight in life, contact Tina for an energy reading directly online at https://www.facebook.com/ Tina.Graziano.Energy.Reader /?ref=page_internal