The Optimist Club of Perdido Bay will celebrate three milestones during its annual Labor Day Mullet Festival on Sept. 7, including the 40th anniversary of the festival, 41 years of serving young people in the Lillian community and the 250th birthday of the United States.

The festival will take place at the Lillian Recreational Park and Lillian Community Club, with activities beginning early Monday morning and continuing throughout the day.

The event will begin at the Lillian Recreational Park, 33914 Widell Ave., with registration for the 5K Run/Walk from 6 to 7 a.m. The presentation of the flag will take place at 7:15 a.m., followed by the Run for the Mullet 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m.

Age group awards will follow the race, along with a 5K runners and walkers party. A Mullet Fun Run will also be held inside Lillian Recreational Park, with the start and finish near the center pavilion.

At the Lillian Community Club, 34148 Widell Ave., breakfast will be served from 7 to 9 a.m. Breakfast costs $5, while children 8 and younger eat free.

Other activities will continue throughout the day, including a silent auction and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Mullet Toss will run from 10 a.m. to noon, with age-level prizes awarded at 12:30 p.m. in the main hall.

Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $12. The meal will include a choice of mullet, catfish or barbecue sandwich, along with potato salad, baked beans, dessert and tea. Children 8 and younger eat free.

Music will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by the 50/50 drawing and Optimist quilt drawing at 2:15 p.m. Participants do not have to be present to win either drawing.

The Optimist Club of Perdido Bay has served the needs of young people in the area since June 1, 1985. The volunteer service organization operates under the motto "Bringing Out the Best in Kids for 41 Years" and puts all of its profits toward activities, programs and scholarships for area children and teens.

The club also describes its broader mission as "Bringing Out the Best in Youth, in our Communities, and in Ourselves."

Through its members and annual sponsors, the club conducts service projects, events and programs designed to support young people and the community.

The club is encouraging community members to attend one of its two monthly meetings and consider becoming a member or sponsor. The organization said additional members and resources allow it to expand its support for children, youth and the community.

Information about the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay, along with registration for the Mullet Festival 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run, is available at www.OptimistClubPB.org.

For more information, contact Optimist Club of Perdido Bay President Robin Newell at (402) 677-3944.