As a way to say “thank you” to a firefighter who lost his life about a year ago, the Slade Baker Memorial Scholarship will host the first Slade Baker Memorial Run on Saturday at 8 a.m.
“Slade’s big priorities in life were family, fun and fitness,” said Adam Bolton, former Paris firefighter and Slade Baker Memorial Scholarship board member. “So we think we can wrap all three of those in this event.”
Cade Oats, PFD driver and memorial secretary, said the meal after the run will be themed around Slade’s home state, Louisiana.
“We’re going to do some sort of Louisiana theme,” he said. “We’re either going to do a jambalaya or a gumbo. Slade was a people person, and he was a partier. He was the life of any group he was in, and you could call him and he’d be there at the drop of a hat. In the little time he was here, he put a lot into the town.”
Austin Sugg, Paris Firefighter and President of the Slade Baker Memorial Scholarship, said the organization plans for this to become an annual event. He said Baker was outgoing.
“He spent a lot of time working in Paris, for Paris,” Sugg said. “This is our way to say thanks to him.”
The run will start just North of Bill Bass Tire Shop on S. Church St. and run along Trail de Paris and back. Bolton said each route will have its specific turnaround spot along the trail.
“There will be a staggered start with the idea everyone will finish about lunchtime,” he said.
The event will feature live music by Stoney Musgrove, Shiela Armstrong from Common Ground and more. Those participating in a corn hole tournament will have a chance to win the corn hole boards built and donated by David Pool.
The run will feature a meal afterward with live music, a corn hole tournament and more at The Depot, 1264 S Main St. Prices for the run-only option is $40, dine-only option is $25 and $50 for the run-dine combo.
To sign up for the one-mile walk, 5k or full marathon, or to purchase a dine-only option click here. Tickets will also be available at the event.
“We’re not going to turn anyone away,” Sugg said.
For more event news, click here.
