FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The last organized walk-to-school event in Fairhope is this Friday, May 6.

“Smart Coast invites you to join the growing celebration of walkable communities with Fairhope’s last Smart Walk of the school year,” stated Smart Coast’s program director Charlene Lee, in a news release. “The ongoing Smart Walks are sponsored by Smart Coast in partnership with the Baldwin County School System and the city of Fairhope. This final walk was a blast last year as happy dogs and children skipped to school.”

The theme for the walk is the “Dog Days of Summer,” so it’s a dog-friendly event, according to the release.

“If your child does not have a family pet dog to walk with them, they are invited to bring a stuffed animal, but all dogs (whether live or stuffed) will need to go home with the parents once the students arrive at the school,” Lee advised.

“It’s a bittersweet walk for us as it’s the final walk to the historic K Center,” stated Lee, referring to the school on Church Street that will be closed at the end of this school year.  “Dozens of students and their parents regularly make the walk to school every day – capturing the spirit of Smart Walks and our focus on connecting with the community and healthier lifestyles.  The K Center is a huge part of Fairhope’s wonderful culture as a walkable community.”

Former Fairhope K-1 families are invited to take part as the Smart Walk honors the K Center school and its history, the release stated.

Fairhope K-1 students will meet at 7:15 am in the parking lot of the Fairhope Civic Center.

Fairhope Elementary School students and parents meet at the Fairhope Library at 7:15 am.

Both walks will begin by 7:20 a.m. Friday, May 6, and will take place rain or shine, the release stated.

For more information, visit the group’s website www.smartcoast.org, or call Lee at 928-2309.