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By Dave Greber, Staff Writer 11:39 AM Wednesday, July 1, 2009

What’s the best way to follow a 5K run or walk in the July heat?

How about sampling local residents’ apple pies.

There may not be fireworks, but Liberty Twp.’s 4th of July festivities are sure to draw a crowd this weekend — if the past is any indication. So far, more than 100 people are signed up to participate in the 5th annual 5K Run for Liberty! event. More than 200 people participated in last year’s run, with most of those signing up the day of the race, according to Liberty Twp. Assistant Administrator Melanie Brokaw.

Although it’s too late to register for the run/walk online — via the Web sites of the township and The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty — folks can still sign up at the starting line early Saturday morning.

Registration takes place from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. at Liberty Park off Yankee Road, with the race stepping off at 8:30 a.m. The 3.1-mile course will take walkers and runners through the Dutchland Woods and Oakes of Woodcreek subdivisions. The cost is $25 to participate.

A parade begins at 10 a.m. at Lakota East High School, with line-up starting at 9 a.m. The parade ends at Liberty Park. The parade’s grand marshal is local resident Chuck Holliday, who runs the township’s “Holliday” in the park nature walks.

The festival at Liberty Park runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an apple pie contest beginning at 1 p.m., with games and contests for children throughout the day.

This weekend’s event also marks two firsts. It’s the first community gathering paid for — at least partially — through donations to a fund set up by The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty, which was established this spring.

And, the dry-fit T-shirts that will be given away as part of the walk/run will feature the township’s new logo, which was adopted by trustees last month.

Created by Margo Jacob Design, the logo features a flame, roadway or path, the township’s name and the phrase “Embraced by Nature. Inspired by Progress.” The shirts will also be available for purchase for $10, Brokaw said.

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