BAY MINETTE, Ala.– The Firefighters and Volunteers of the Bay Minette Fire Department (BMFD) will hold its 3rd annual Dash & Splash 5k, Fun Run & Pool Party on Sept. 9.

The 5k will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a one mile Fun Run at 7 p.m. and will close with music, food and a pool party at the Bay Minette Municipal Pool Complex.

The entry fee is $20 through Sept. 25 and race day registration will be $25.

For the 5K, awards will be presented to the top three male and female overall winners and in the following age groups: 9- and under; 10- to 14-years; 15- to 19-years; 20- to 29-years; 30- to 39-years; 40- to 49-years; 50- to 59-years; 60- to 69-years; 70-years and older. All Fun Run participants will receive ribbons and the top three male and female runners will be recognized.

Proceeds will benefit the Bay Minette Fire Department and its Fire Prevention Programs. During the past year the BMFD has given away and installed more than 200 smoke detectors in homes in the community.

In addition to the smoke detector giveaway program, the Bay Minette Firefighters visit with nearly 2,000 school age children each year to teach them about fire safety. The students also receive learning tools such as activity books, helmets and more to take home with them to ensure a lasting impression about fire prevention.

In addition to fire prevention education the BMFD offers CPR certification, car seat installation and fire extinguisher training among other services.

Fire Chief Mike Minchew said this is a great way for the public to interact with the Fire Department and learn more about its fire safety programs. “It’s a great event for people to come out and run or walk, take a swim and then look at the fire trucks and equipment as well as talk with our firefighters,” he said. “The past two years we have had a good turnout, with very good comments about the event as well as the department and we are doing for the public.”

Registration forms are available at Bay Minette City Hall and North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. Registration is also available online at www.active.com. For more information about this event, call the Bay Minette Fire Department at 251-580-1617 or email bayminettefire@gmail.com.