Fun Run, Walk, Fall Fest, Concert Slated For Saturday

SUWANEE, GA — A boy and his dog are on a quest to change the world, and you can be a part of it, at the fourth annual Jonny & Xena Spread the Words 5k, Fun Run, Walk, Fall Fest and Concert, presented by Geico and Kroger. Join the fun at Suwanee’s Town Center Park on Oct. 27.

In addition to the run and walk events, more than 20 local animal rescue groups will be on hand with free adoptable pets (with approved applications, of course). Well-behaved, leashed furry family members are welcome, too, and you can even get them microchipped on site by Planned Pethood. Xena’s own favorite
trainer, Trainer Alex from Peach on a Leash, will be on hand to answer all of your dog training questions.

There’s more to enjoy for humans, too, including vendors, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, music from the Brookwood Elementary School Chorus and a huge blow-up slide for the kids and for the adults who still feel like a kid. Extreme Airballs will be there too.

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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.

The pair’s journey began when a 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 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 happens 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Register for the 5K, fun run and walk at www.xenathewarriorpuppy.com.

Get those registrations in advance, because the price increases by $5 on the day of the event.

Even if you can’t be there, you’ll find a 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 at Big Peach Running Co. in Suwanee (320 Town Center Ave.) 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26. Pick up Friday night and receive in-store discounts on sneakers and other merchandise.

If you have questions or need more information, contact Linda Hickey, president, Jonny & Xena's Spread the Words Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit at Jonnyandxena@xenathewarriorpuppy.com or 770-851-1266.

Photos courtesy Jonny & Xena's Spread the Words Foundation