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28th ANNUAL SMOKEY BEAR FUN RUN, JULY 4, 2008 |
 The Fun Run attracts runners of all ages. |
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 The run starts at an elevation of 6350 feet, and runners experience a 60-foot elevation gain in the first mile. |
 A beautiful morning for an uphill climb. Although the road appears flat in places, the elevation increases by another 230 feet between mile 1 and mile 3. |
 The run provides a beautiful view of the Capitan Mountains where Smokey Bear was rescued in 1950, after the "Gap Fire" destroyed 17,000 acres of Forest. |
 After the mile 3 turn around . . . |
 it's all downhill! |
 Wonderful Fun Run Volunteers provided water and encouragement at 2 miles/4 miles. |
 An hour and 19 minutes after the starting gun, I made it to the finish, where runners awaited results . . . |
 and ribbons. |
 More Fun Run Volunteers offered ice cold water and oranges at the finish. |
 Race Director, George Tippin, awards a runner. |
 Following the run, we joined the parade-viewing crowd, setting up our chairs in front of the Smokey Bear Museum on Smokey Bear Boulevard, then enjoying breakfast while awaiting the 10 a.m. parade start. |
 The Capitan Police begin the parade. |
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 Carol, a member of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Posse. The Posse dates back to the time of the area's famous outlaw, Billy the Kid. The Posse's role has evolved from a mounted law enforcement reserve unit to an all volunteer community service organization. |
 These Animal Shelter doggies were looking for new owners. |
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 What would a parade be without The Shriners? |
 I wondered how this horse could see through those bangs. |
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 Every creature sported red, white, and blue! |
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 A Sheriff's Officer riding a white horse. Make a wish. |
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 Aleah Topper, Miss Lincoln County |
 It's Smokey Bear! |
 The parade included many beautiful cars. |
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 The Lincoln County Republican Party |
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 The Hawaiin float took me back! |
 Equal time for the Democratic Party of Lincoln County |
 A local 4-H group (I wish I could remember which one), did a GREAT job putting together this float. One of the best! |
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 Otero County Electric had a cute float. |
 This poor little girl was tired of the sirens. |
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 Several members of the Smokey Bear Hotshot Crew, Lincoln National Forest, ran the 10k in their long pants and boots. Amazing! They are an awesome group of fire fighters. |
 The Lincoln County EMS marked the end of the parade, and the end of a beautiful July 4th morning in Smokey Bear's hometown. Looking forward to July 4, 2009! |
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