The Return of Down-and-Dirty
After a short four-year break, one of Dallastown’s most popular events is making a comeback. Here’s what to expect at this years Down-and-Dirty.
Flyer for this years Down-and-Dirty can be seen posted all around the high school with the information about the event.
In 2018, one of Dallastown’s most popular traditions came to an end. Down-and-Dirty, an annual fundraising event held at the high school, was put on for the last time…until now.
This year, however, will look a little different than the Down-and-Dirty events of the past.
It all started when the youngest son of teachers Mr. Rodger Murphy (social studies) and Mrs. Gwen Murphy (English) was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in 2005.
Dallastown teacher Pat McKinney wanted to raise awareness and money for the cause and the first Down-and-Dirty was born in 2008 with all the money raised at the event was donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
“I wanted kids to know they could still play, without technology,” says McKinney, “Everyone just had fun.”
The goal will be the same this year: to have fun and raise money for a good cause. However, this year Down-and-Dirty will benefit Dallastown Cat Packs, which is the organization putting the event on this year.
Cat Packs is a nonprofit organization that provides meals to students of the Dallastown school district at times when school is not in session, such as during holiday breaks and summer. For more information about Cat Packs and what they do, read the article on the Beacon.
Down-and-Dirty will take place on Saturday, May 21 on the soccer fields at Dallastown Area High School. There will be a total of ten different obstacles set up around the fields that teams will race through on the day of.
“Some are messy, some are wet, some involve a little strategy, and all of them will be lots of fun,” says Cat Packs president Emily Lauer.
Down-and-Dirty is open to any Dallastown student grades 4-12, as well as staff, parents, friends, and community members. Teams must consist of five people and should challenge another team of five people. Teams must be registered by May 7 and the cost is $20 per person.
“Students can challenge each other, their teachers, their coaches, or even their parents!” says Lauer.
Apart from the race itself, people can expect to see food trucks, photo opportunities, and merch sales at the event. Everyone is encouraged to come to watch and take part in the fun.
So, why should people participate in Down-and-Dirty?
“First of all, it supports a fantastic cause. Second, it will be a lot of fun!” Lauer explains.
Volunteers are also needed to help run the event. Anyone who participates with a team and also volunteers will get priority when choosing a time slot to complete the race.
After four years of students begging for it to come back, Down-and-Dirty has returned. If all goes well this year, Cat Packs plans to make this an annual event again, with small changes along the way.
“I think it’s great that the community is finally having the opportunity to participate in the first Down-and-Dirty since 2018,” says senior Morgan O’Neill.
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