{"id":50851,"date":"2016-05-15T10:56:13","date_gmt":"2016-05-15T10:56:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/owegopennysaver.com\/?p=50851"},"modified":"2016-05-17T21:41:20","modified_gmt":"2016-05-17T21:41:20","slug":"photos-hundreds-of-superheroes-converge-at-hickories-park-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.owegopennysaver.com\/PS\/2016\/05\/15\/photos-hundreds-of-superheroes-converge-at-hickories-park-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Photos: Hundreds of superheroes converge at Hickories Park event"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Hundreds<\/a>

Six-year old Ryan Woods, dressed as the Superhero Robin, participates in Ryan’s Superhero Run at Hickories Park on May 14, an event that benefits Kali’s Klubhouse at Fargnoli Farms in Apalachin. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)<\/p><\/div>\n

Hundreds of individuals dressed as superheroes gathered at Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y. on May 14 for the \u201cRyan\u2019s Superhero Run,\u201d which included a 5K run and a 1K run\/walk. A family-friendly event, superheroes showed up to run and walk, or ride in wheelchairs and strollers.<\/p>\n

The event was hosted near the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park within Hickories Park, so several canine partners sporting superhero dog costumes joined the fun as well.<\/p>\n

The event benefitted Kali\u2019s Klubhouse at Fargnoli Farms located at 4041 Pennsylvania Ave. in Apalachin, N.Y., which provides equine-assisted learning to individuals with social, emotional and physical challenges.<\/p>\n

The superhero star of the day was six-year old Ryan Woods. Ryan, who dressed as Batman last year, arrived dressed as Robin with his #1 bib this year, and was genuinely excited to participate and improve his time in the 1K. Ryan, who has cerebral palsy, benefits from weekly riding sessions at Fargnoli Farms which helps improve his strength and balance.<\/p>\n

\"Hundreds<\/a>

Participants along with miniature horses, including Kali of Kali’s Klubhouse, walk in the 1K at the Ryan’s Superhero Run at Hickories Park on May 14. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)<\/p><\/div>\n

Michelle Woods, Ryan\u2019s mother, commented while walking during the 1K, \u201cThe support from the community is amazing. And, there are people here today from as far away as Maine and New Hampshire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other superhero stars were the miniature horses at Fargnoli Farms, including Kali, a celebrity in her own right, that are positive links in the healing process for many, including the senior outreach program. Kali is one of three minis at Fargnoli Farms that visits Riverview Manor in Owego and other local facilities several times throughout the year – giving seniors needed social interaction, and in turn teaches community service to the youth involved with the program.<\/p>\n

\"Hundreds<\/a>

Three-year old Abbie Meyers of Waverly, N.Y. finishes her face painting turn at the Ryan’s Superhero Run at Hickories Park on May 14. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)<\/p><\/div>\n

Executive Director of Fargnoli Farms, Linda Fargnoli, previously shared that Kali\u2019s Klubhouse was inspired by the ongoing love of the horses and the lives they touch. With as many as 20 volunteers at the farm, along with licensed and certified professionals, along with the horses as part of the team effort, the healing process happens with the passion and commitment of dedicated individuals.<\/p>\n

Referring to Ryan\u2019s Superhero Run, Fargnoli shared, \u201cA lot of positive energy went into this event,\u201d which included good thoughts to delay the anticipated rain. Fargnoli added, \u201cI\u2019m so thankful for the support of area businesses and the people from all over the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Hundreds<\/a>

Dr. Parker Gennett of Binghamton, N.Y., dressed as the Incredible Hulk, and his three year old son, Cameron, cross the finish line at the 1K event of Ryan’s Superhero Run at Hickories Park on May 14. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)<\/p><\/div>\n

Several businesses throughout the Southern Tier contributed prizes, food, and water for the event.<\/p>\n

A significant contribution from the community came from the fourth grade class at Tioga Central Elementary School. Teacher Jenna Stedge explained that 2016 marks the fifth year that her students have been involved in raising money for local organizations. As a way to give back to the community and also raise fitness awareness this year, Stedge challenged her students to gather donations from family and friends, and then run in the 5K.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy students exceeded the goal,\u201d shared Stedge, \u201cWe ran Ryan\u2019s Superhero Run to benefit Kali\u2019s Klubhouse and presented a check in the amount of $3,187.14.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Hundreds<\/a>

A participant from Tioga Central Elementary School sports a homemade superhero cape at Ryan’s Superhero Run, which includes the sentiment, “It’s not about what you get – it’s about what you give.” (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)<\/p><\/div>\n

Tioga Central Elementary School participants sported homemade superhero capes that included the sentiment, \u201cIt\u2019s not about what you get, it\u2019s about what you give,\u201d a fitting tribute to the event.<\/p>\n

Guests enjoyed multiple activities at the event, including face painting, the extraordinary juggling skills of local entertainer, Will Stafford, a special magic presentation, photo-ops inside a three-wheeled motorcycle, a.k.a. the Batmobile, and had an opportunity to win prizes, among other activities.<\/p>\n

For information about Fargnoli Farms or Kali\u2019s Klubhouse, find them on Facebook or visit kalisklubhouse.org<\/a>. For other inquiries, including volunteer opportunities, contact Linda Fargnoli at (607) 427-3623.<\/p>\n

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