AMBOY - The Lee County Fair Association (LCFA) put fun into the run held Saturday at the Fairgrounds, US Route 30 and Franklin Road. The Fair Fun Run, a one-mile course around the fairgrounds that included a variety of obstacles, is one way the LCFA is helping fund the fairgrounds.

State funding cuts to local fair associations have meant that fair associations are faced with canceling fairs or finding different means of funding to keep fairs going. This is the second year the Fun Run is part of the LCFA's efforts to provide the monies needed to keep the fair on solid financial footing.

Fun Run coordinators, Abbey Kelly and Stacey Dunphy, planned a diverse path around the fairgrounds property. The course took runners through different barns and most of the obstacles along the way could be by-passed if desired. Climbing fences, crawling under gates propped up on bales of straw, scaling giant tires and zig-zagging through barrels were some of the fun things found around the course.

The 17 participants ranged in age from four years to ageless and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. A water station provided runners with refreshments and the cool morning kept everyone comfortable.

Visit www.leecounty4hcenter.com for other upcoming events sponsored by the Lee County Fair Association.

The Lee County Fair Association Fun Run included obstacles in barns like gates that had to be climbed or gates on bales of straw that required a "belly crawl". Most obstacles could be skipped if the runners desired just wanted a run. (Photo by Mary Mays)