The annual Rudolph Run in downtown Mancos Friday night will honor an 11-year-old girl who died earlier this year.
Affectionately known as "Em-Silly," Bayfield resident Emily Anne Coppinger died May 16 of causes related to her disability. Daughter of Susan and Kirk Coppinger, the special-needs fifth grader at Riverview Elementary School loved action sports.
"Emily loved skiing, the faster, the steeper and more snow she got in her face, the more she liked it," her family said. Once the starting gun fires at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, the 5-K Rudolph Run will not only commemorate Coppinger's life, but proceeds from the race will also help ensure others with disabilities are able to participate in winter sports through Durango's Adaptive Sports Association.
Race fees are $3 in advance and $5 on race day. Registration is available at Mancos Town Hall and Mullikin Physical Therapy.
Registration for the race starts at 6 p.m. The starting line is near Pioneer Plaza on Grand Avenue next to the Mancos Opera House. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available after the run.
Prizes for winners and random trivia prizes will be awarded.
After the Rudolph Run, Mancos holds its annual tree lighting ceremony starting at 7 p.m., and Santa Claus is expected to descend onto the Mancos Valley at 7:30 p.m.
The Olde Fashioned Christmas in Mancos concludes with a free viewing of the "Grinch Who Stole Christmas" at the town's community center.
The Mancos Valley Arts Council also holds its fifth annual Christmas cookie contest on Friday. Winners for "best-tasting" and "best-decorated" cookies in both a youth and adult categories are announced after the tree lighting ceremony.
Contest entries must be dropped off at The Columbine 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday.
For additional information, call 970-533-7649.