Published: October 28, 2009 09:26 am      

Community invited to go ‘Walkin’ Downtown Saturday

The cities of Kosciusko and Lexington are two of the 27 communities around the state that will go walkin’ down their Main Streets on Saturday, as they join together for the second annual “Let’s Go Walkin’ Down Main Street Mississippi” statewide event.

“Everyone is invited to meet at Red Bud Springs Park by 9:30 a.m.,” Main Street Director and Kosciusko-Attala Development Corporation vice president said.

The event consists of walking from the park onto the square and completing as many laps as you wish (minimum of one lap at your own speed is suggested).

The event is being held in partnership with Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi and the Mississippi Main Street Association in an effort to support healthier lives, as well as promote the economy in local downtown areas.

“These communities are taking steps to promote healthy lifestyles by hosting this event in their hometowns,” said John Sewell, Director of Corporate Communications with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

“Walking is an excellent form of exercise, which promotes a healthy body and healthy mind in as little as 30 minutes a day, five days a week.”

“The Mississippi Main Street Association is proud to partner with Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi for the second year as we work toward the goal of healthier communities,” said Bob Wilson, Executive Director for the Mississippi Main Street Association.

“Our downtown areas are essential for the overall wellness of our state’s towns and cities. We want to promote our local businesses and healthy lifestyles by walking in our downtown areas.”

Others participating communities include:Baldwyn, Batesville, Belhaven, Booneville, Carthage, Columbia, Columbus, Ecru, Greenwood, Hancock County, Hattiesburg (Nov. 7), Holly Springs (Nov. 14), Houston, Laurel, Magee, New Albany, Noxapater, Okolona, Philadelphia, Pontotoc, Port Gibson, Sherman, Tunica, Tupelo, Vicksburg (Nov. 14), West Point, Woodland and Newton.

Each community has organized its own event. A limited number of T-shirts will be available to participants on a first come first served basis. Each walking route will be one mile or less. For more information, contact your local Main Street Office or visit http://www.msmainstreet.com/index.php/communities/members.

Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi is a community program supported by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi. To learn more about Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi, including the health benefits of exercise and places to walk around the state, visit www.letsgowalkinms.com.