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Saturday Live tradition keeps going with fun run

Posted at 6:28 PM, Sep 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-19 21:01:22-04

Saturday Live changed for 2020 because of COVID-19.

The Education Foundation for the Billings Public Schools still held the Super Hero Fun Run at Pioneer Park and Daylis Stadium on Saturday.

"In a typical normal year, the fun run usually kicks off Saturday Live and then we have our carnival portion," said Krista Hertz, the foundation's executive director. "But this year, we're doing an expanded fun run since we're unable to do our carnival portion."

Hertz says the fun run had four start times along with virtual runs, for a total of about 250 participating.

That is close to a normal turnout for the fun run, with its special theme this year.

"We called it the Saturday Live Super Hero Run," Hertz said. "We've had some kids dress up as super heroes just to add a little fun to it. And also just to do a shout out to the Super Heroes in our community."

Hertz said it was important to keep that tradition going with the fun run.

"There's a lot that is important mentally, socially to be able to keep some traditions alive during this stressful time," she said. "And so we were thankful we were able to find a way to meet our guidelines and be healthy and safe and still have something of a Saturday Live connected here to Pioneer Park, Daylis Stadium. We're very thrilled for that."

"That group of people that said, oh yea we can, we can keep this thing going," said Karen Moses, former School board trustee and an original foundation member. "We had a little pandemic this year and it didn't stop 'em. They came together , so, families and kids, that's what it's all about and they do a good job."

Moses was part of helping start Saturday Live, now in its 28th year.

She said it's amazing how the foundation gets through challenges such as COVID this year and weather forcing the event indoors to Skyview High School last year.

"It means a lot," Moses said. "I think it says to all of us, we can do it. We can get this done."

"Oh normalcy I think is more important than ever these days," Hertz said. "(Parents and teachers are) all active, all keeping our kids going."

"We'll be here next year, or where ever they decide to run it," Moses said.

The foundation also has an SUV raffle and plans for online fundraisers throughout the school year.