Ghouls, gremlins and witches will run Lorain's streets Saturday in annual Monster Mash Dash

LORAIN — From the first Monster Mash Dash five years ago, it caught on in a flash. Perhaps it was the costumes — the zombies, the Wolf Man, Dracula and his son — although not required, it does make for a more entertaining run. Or maybe it's the financial benefit — proceeds go toward Main Street Lorain's efforts to create a thriving and vibrant downtown. Whatever the reason, the ghouls all came from their humble abodes and this Saturday they will be welcomed again. "It's one of my favorite community events we host," said Max Schaefer, executive director of Main Street Lorain. "People really get into the Halloween spirit for it. I was really surprised the first year. I figured some people would dress up, but almost every single participant dressed up. Some of them get very creative, too. It just keeps getting larger and larger every year." But it's after the race when the real magic happens. "We're really grateful to Scorcher's for opening early for us," Schaefer said. "To see everyone come together after the race, packed in there and hanging out outside and inside, people just enjoying themselves. That's what you want to see in your downtown on any given day or weekend." In addition to the Monster Mash Dash, other events taking place throughout the city for Fall Fun Day on Saturday include the pumpkin sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Magdalen's Coffee; trunk-or-treat from noon to 1 p.m. at Black River Landing; Touch-a-Truck and festival from 1-3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church; a rock orchestra performance from 8 to 10 p.m. at Palace Theatre; and the Ohio State University football game, which will be aired at various establishments. Last year, the Monster Mash Dash nearly hit its goal of 125 participants. This year, organizers aimed for 150 participants and are almost there. The Mini Monster Mash Dash, a 100-yard run, begins at 9:45 a.m. for kids 10 and younger. The 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk begin at 10 a.m. Registration is still open. Cost for the 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run is $30, if purchased by Friday. Cost increases to $35 the day of the race. The cost of the Mini Dash for kids is $10. Race packets can be picked up from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Scorcher's Casual Eatery & Draft House, 900 Broadway in Lorain or 8:30-9:30 a.m. on race day. Adult participants receive a custom-made pint glass and post-race refreshments will be available. Dogs are welcome at the race, but don't forget a costume. Awards will be presented at 11 a.m. Saturday for the top three overall finishers, age group awards, best costume, best-dressed dog and goodie bags for Mini Monster Bash Dash runners. The race benefits a number of events hosted by Main Street Lorain throughout the year, such as the Cookie Crawl, Second Saturday, Cocktail Week and Shakespeare in the Park, to name a few. Additionally, funds are used for beautification projects, like fall decorations and winter beautification, and marketing and advertising, such as paid ads and the new Downtown Lorain website. "We started downtownlorain.com as our main webpage to be a one-stop shop for what is happening downtown on a monthly/weekly basis," Schaeffer said. "When people come to town for a wedding or a beach weekend, we want them to know what is happening, events, random karaoke, trivia, and we want to highlight our business partners." Contact Christina Jolliffe at cntews@chroniclet.com.