On-course performers announced--hula dancers, heavy metal and Elvis on accordion

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Spokane, WA—Bloomsday’s embrace of on-course entertainment takes a lively step forward this year, as nearly 30 performers will line the 7.46-mile route, almost double the number of a year ago.

 

“Our on-course entertainment director, Dori Robertson, has done a wonderful job of scheduling bands and other performers along the course,” said Bloomsday President Al Odenthal. “We know our entrants like to be entertained as they travel 7-and-a-half miles, and this year every one of them will find something to like.”

 

This year’s Bloomsday on-course entertainment includes—among others—country western, classic rock, oldies, heavy metal, blues, Christian, bluegrass, folk, belly dancers, hula dancers, a plastic bucket drum corps, and 60-year-old Elvis impersonator “Accordion Joe”. Performing troupe “The Red Hot Mamas” will also be back to defend their 2004 title of Best Bloomsday Performers. Bloomsday entrants will be able to vote for their favorite performers by logging on to www.bloomsdayrun.org after the race, and prizes of $500, $300, and $150 will be awarded to the winning performers.

 

Runners are also likely to be entertained as well as refreshed at some of the five water aid stations situated along the course and past the finish. And in addition to entertainment along the course, Clear Channel will be providing musical entertainment in Riverfront Park after the race, where Bloomies can also enjoy a post-race snack at the Subway Picnic in the Park. Tickets for the lunch can be purchased at the Riverfront Park booth at the Bloomsday Trade Show.

 

And finally, this year Bloomsday welcomes back vocalist, age-group star runner and Riven actor John Keston, who will sing "O, Canada" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" for runners as they wait for the race to begin. This will be Keston’s fourth time singing the anthems at Bloomsday.

 

Those who haven’t already signed up for Bloomsday ’05 will still be able to join the fun by visiting the late registration table during normal Check-In hours at the Ag Trade Center—Friday, April 29, from 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 30 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The late registration fee is $25.00. Race entry is not available on Sunday, May 1.

 

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