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Hartselle Enquirer

Miss Albany Piggy Tail fundraiser sees success

Albany Holmes and her mother, far right, cheer on runners as they brave the snow and freezing temperatures during the race Saturday at Priceville Elementary School.  | Clif Knight
Albany Holmes and her mother, far right, cheer on runners as they brave the snow and freezing temperatures during the race Saturday at Priceville Elementary School. | Clif Knight

The Miss Albany Piggy Tail Princess 7K, children’s 1K fun run and Red Carpet Event ruled the day in Priceville on Saturday as an estimated 300 people turned out to honor three-year-old Albany Holmes, who has cerebral palsy, and help support an on-going effort to upgrade the town’s playground with handicapped accessible equipment.

Albany and several of her special needs friends commanded attention from the entire crowd as they worked their way around the “magic kingdom” in front of Priceville Elementary School. Colorful spinners lined the driveways, pink, blue, yellow and green balloons bobbled in the wind and 15 vendors hawked their wares in the background while a black castle stood tall in the midst.

The 7K run attracted 128 runners, double last year’s number, in spite of near-freezing temperatures and a backdrop of fields covered with several inches of snow.

The overall winner was Eric Charette of Huntsville with a time of 24:45. Lauren Jackson was the overall female winner with a time of 31:41. Noah Flynn, 14, of Madison was the juvenile winner with a time of 25:48.

The lK run drew about 50 competitors, and the Red Carpet Event had about the same number of participants.

“It’s wonderful to see the people from our community and other areas rallying around each other for a good cause,” said Albany’s mother, Jessica Holmes. “Part of the proceeds from this year’s event will be used to help fund an expansion of the town’s playground.”

“I’m working with Mayor Melvin Duran and town councilmen to buy additional equipment designed for use by children with special needs,” she added. “We want it to be a part of the playground so all of our children can play together.”

“It’s heartwarming to see so many people from our community come out and support an event like this,” said Jeremy Holmes, Albany’s father. Jessica and I prayed for a dry day and the Lord answered with a blue sky and sunshine. We also had snow cover in the yards and fields that provided a special picture of beauty for our 7K runners.”

Before the Red Carpet Event, which was designed to celebrate the exceptional lives of people with special needs, Mrs. Holmes asked for continued prayers for Albany and her family.

“Albany will be having invasive surgery later this year to help her with her walking,” she reported. It will require her to undergo extensive therapy to re-learn her motor skills.”

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