Community comes alive for Go4th race, fireworks

Sleepy little downtown Hazlehurst was wide awake early on Saturday morning, July 4, as hundreds of support personnel, organizers, racers and supporters set up for the fifth annual Great Commission Go4th event.  The race path began on McDaniel Drive by First Baptist Church, wound through historic downtown, then around Lake Hazle and back through midtown on Caldwell Drive.
The City of Hazlehurst provided personnel and equipment to keep the course clear.  Police officers and fire fighters were on hand up and down the route to ensure traffic stayed aware and away. Volunteers from the community manned water stations and kept an eye on racers and walkers in case of emergency.  City officials were seen assisting at several points along the course, as well.
“This was one of the best events we’ve had,” said organizer Amy Keywood of Key Habits in Hazlehurst.  “I appreciate all the help from the city and from the numerous community volunteers to put on the race and keep participants safe,” she added.
The city sponsored a 20 minute fireworks show at Lake Hazle that evening.  Several hundred cars packed with eager onlookers circled the lake to experience the popular attraction.  The weather cooperated nicely, as the temperature remained cooler, thanks to late afternoon showers and cool northwesterly breeze.
All activities concluded without a hitch, authorities said.

To see the winners of the run and other activities at the July 4 event, see the Copiah County Courier, on sale throughout Copiah County.