Spread The Words 5K, Fall Fest Set For Oct. 27

JOHNS CREEK, GA — A Johns Creek boy and his dog wants you to join their mission to change the world at the fourth annual Jonny & Xena Spread the Words 5K, Fun Run, Walk, Fall Fest and Concert.

The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 27 at Suwanee's Town Center Park. In addition to the run and walk events, more than 20 local animal rescue groups will be on hand with free adoptable pets. Well-behaved, leashed furry family members are also welcome, and you can even get them microchipped on-site by Planned Pethood. Xena's own favorite trainer, Alex from Peach on a Leash, will be on hand to answer all of your dog training questions.

There's also quite a bit for humans to enjoy, including vendors, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, music from Brookwood Elementary School chorus students and a huge inflatable slide for the kids — and for the adults who still feel like a kid. Extreme Airballs will be there too.

New this year is a concert that begins at noon with Head Games, a tribute to Foreigner, followed by the world's most successful Bon Jovi tribute band, Slippery When Wet, at 2 p.m. Bring the family for a day of fun that benefits the local special needs community, including autism programs, and animal rescue. Both causes are near and dear to the organizers and namesakes of the festival.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here)

Jonny and Xena's journey began when the neglected pup, clinging to life by a thread, was found in a Decatur yard. After months of rehabilitation, she found herself in the home of Jonny, a young boy with autism. In Xena, Jonny found a friend, a companion and a therapist all wrapped up in a furry brown package. Now they're "spreading the words" and making a difference in the lives of both humans and animals.

The fun begins with on-site registration at 8 a.m. Oct. 27 at Town Center Park in Suwanee at 330 Town Center Avenue. The 5K/walk begins at 9 a.m., the fun run at 10 a.m. and the festival runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register for the 5K, fun run and walk online. Be sure to register in advance, because the price rises by $5 on the day of the race.

If you can be there in person, you can choose the virtual option that lets you participate from anywhere in the world. A commemorative T-shirt is guaranteed to all participants who preregister, including virtual ones, and will be available while supplies last for those who register after Oct. 22.

Early package pick-up will be held 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 at Big Peach Running Co. at 20 Town Center Avenue. Pick up Friday night and receive in-store discounts on sneakers and other merchandise.

For questions or more information, contact Linda Hickey, president of the Jonny & Xena's Spread the Words Foundation, at jonnyandxena@xenathewarriorpuppy.com or 770-851-1266.

Image via Jonny & Xena Spread the Words Foundation