The 2011 Ben Event 

We would like to send a big thank you to WFMZ for their help in promoting this year's event!  If you haven't seen the story they aired on Thursday night, July 14th, go check it out here.

Friday Night Kick-Off Schedule of Events

The Friday Night Kick Off begins at 5:30 p.m. with pregame activities such as Jolly Holly the Clown, t-shirt launches and more.  The Special Olympics softball game begins at 6:00 p.m. featuring athletes from Lehigh County. The first ball will be thrown by WFMZ Sports Director Troy Hein, who will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies when the action shifts to the Bandshell at 7:15 p.m. Featured will be guest speakers, local dignitaries, and recipients of the Ben Yorgey Memorial Awards. The Large Flowerheads will take the stage at 8 p.m., with a repertoire of classic rock from the 60’s.

Saturday Events

Hey I Know You 5K

• Pre-registration for guaranteed t-shirt is closed, BUT online registration at active.com is still available until 8:59pm on July 13!  
• This year we are also offering early 5K registration on Friday, July 15th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm inside Macungie Memorial Hall in Macungie Memorial Park where those who have registered can pick up their packets and new registrations are welcome. The Hall is the large building just inside the Park entrance off of Main St. Please note that if you would like to come on Friday night to register we will be collecting donations for the kick-off entertainment, but please do not feel any obligation to give.
• July 16, race day, registration opens at 7:00am - packet pick-up for those who already registered and new, day-of registrations are welcome! 
• 5K begins at 8:30am on Saturday, July 16
• The map of the course can be found at USA Track and Field.

1/2 Mile Kids' Run

• Pre-registration for guaranteed t-shirt is closed, but you can still register online at active.com until 8:59 pm on July 13.  Day-of registrations are welcome!
• We are also offering early Kids' Run registration on Friday, July 15th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm inside Macungie Memorial Hall in Macungie Memorial Park where those who have registered can pick up their packets and new registrations are welcome. The Hall is the large building just inside the Park entrance off of Main St. Please note that if you would like to come on Friday night to register we will be collecting donations for the kick-off entertainment, but please do not feel any obligation to give.
• 9:20am on Saturday, July 16th

Fun Walk

For those of you who don't  ride a motorcycle and those who don't run 5K's, The Ben Event Fun Walk is for you!! This year's Fun Walk has incorporated 3 things that Ben loved... taking walks around his hometown of Macungie, t-shirts and sharing memories!  The Fun Walk will be approximately 1 mile beginning at Ben's Tree (near the Walnut Street entrance to the Park).  From there we will walk to Kalmbach Park head up past the Macungie Institute and end at Macungie Pool.  We have added something new this year called, Buy a "T" for Ben's Memory Tree.  Donations of any amount will be accepted in exchange for a Memory "T". On this "T" you will have an opportunity to write a memory for a loved one, or for Ben, and hang it on the Ben's Tree and Trellis.  All donations benefit the Ben Yorgey Foundation.

A drawing will be held for a $50 Wawa gift card on July 16 at the end of the Fun Walk.  All who participate in the Fun Walk will be eligible for this - those who pre-registered are eligible to win both!

• Pre-registration is closed, but day-of registrations are welcome!
• Registration begins at 9am.
• Fun Walk begins at 10am.

Motorcycle Ride

Motorcycles and those who rode them were favorites of Ben.  He took every opportunity to get to know anyone who owned one. Since Ben had such a love for motorcycles, it was obvious that we needed to include a motorcycle ride in The Ben Event.  The 2011 Motorcycle Ride will be a scenic ride with a scavenger hunt.  The ride begins and ends at Macungie Park.  In addition to the ride, there will be an Obstacle Course taking place at the Park. This will be available before or after the ride and will include prizes.  Pullled pork sandwiches and sides will be provided by The Pork Guy for those participating in the ride.

• Pre-registration is closed, but day-of registrations are welcome!
• Registration is from 10:30am - noon
• The ride is self guided.

Special Olympics Swim Meet

This year's Special Olympics Swim Meet promises to be as exciting as last year.  The meet will feature Lehigh County Special Olympics Swim Team and Bethlehem Special Olympics Swim Team.  Regina Potocnie, sportscaster from Service Electric TV will be on hand to call the meet and present awards to the swimmers.

• 10:30am

Family Activities

Now add to the mix a family-friendly atmosphere where kids of all ages are welcome! The Ben Event will run carnival games, a matchbox derby, face painting, airbrushing, and a moon bounce, with ongoing musical entertainment to enjoy and food available to purchase. The Event will also host a variety of special guests. The Macungie Police, the Salisbury Police K-9 Unit, Progressive K-9, the Macungie and Lower Macungie Fire Departments, the Macungie Ambulance Corps will be present, with the K9 Unit and Progressive K-9 providing demonstrations .The Morning Call, along with The Morning Call’s Max the Hound Dog, will join us with a patriotic picture frame art project, and Michaels will offer a sun visor art project. As if that’s not enough, Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s will provide the community with body comp analysis, grip strength testing; information, giveaways, and activities for children. Last but certainly not least, strolling entertainers will pay tribute to fairytale kids’ characters in the style of Elmo, Big Bird, and Cat in the Hat. You don’t want to miss this event! Ben would have enjoyed every minute of this event, and he would have loved for you to come join in with him!   

• 11am - 2pm (games for children, demonstrations, emergency equipment and more)

Entertainment

Along with the bands appearing Friday night and Saturday night, The Ben Event 2011 will feature a variety of performers during the day on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. and continuing through late afternoon.

Miss Maggie Sings features children's performer, Peggy Generd. Peggy has a unique way of entertaining both children and adults.

We are  happy to have Ventriloquist Scott Wagstaff and Company back with us this year.  Both children and adults thoroughly enjoyed his performance at The Ben Event 2010.

Popular award winning singer, guitarist, songwriter Jake Kaligis is back with us this year. 

Sweeter Unknown, an acoustic duo featuring vocalist Anne Giglio and guitarist Jeff DeAngelis will be performing for The Ben Event 2011.

Scott Bateman, of Liss Productions, will be our DJ both Friday Night at the Special Olympics softball game and throughout the day Saturday.

Beyond Barriers is a 6 piece worship band.  Their catchy melodies and engaging songwriting help connect the band with their audience.

• 11am - 4pm

Wheels of Time Cruise Night

•  Cars begin to arrive at 3pm with music featuring School's Out

Back by popular demand - the Wheels of Time raffle to benefit Ben Yorgey Foundation! This year the winner receives a $1,000 Vacation Voucher with Liberty Travel (MacArthur Rd). Contact us to get your tickets NOW or buy them at The Ben Event Chinese Auction tent for just $5 each! The winner will be drawn on August 20 (do not have to be present) at the last Wheels of Time Cruise Night before their big event. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Chinese Auction

• Friday night through Saturday events

The Ben Event 2010 featured a Chinese Auction comprised of more than 25 baskets containing all types of gifts, gift cards and other surprises. We are expecting this year's Chinese Auction to be even better!  Check back regularly for updates on some of the items to be included for 2011.