Annual Events

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Must-Attend YMCA Annual Events

The YMCA of Washington County is renowned for its spectacular annual events that bring the community together. The eagerly anticipated Gala showcases the Y’s impact, raising funds to support vital programs and initiatives. Fitness enthusiasts eagerly participate in the Kewash 5K, a fun-filled race that promotes active living. Families celebrate cherished moments at the heartwarming Father-Daughter Dance, fostering lasting memories. And in the spirit of giving, the Coats for Kids Drive warms hearts by providing winter essentials to children in need. These events exemplify the YMCA’s commitment to fostering camaraderie, wellness, and philanthropy throughout the community.

With a mission to empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds, the YMCA of Washington County’s annual events are the essence of community engagement. The Gala’s elegant setting and charitable endeavors exemplify the Y’s dedication to making a positive impact on lives. The Kewash 5K promotes health and fitness for everyone, welcoming runners of all abilities to join in the fun. The heartwarming Father-Daughter Dance strengthens family bonds and creates cherished moments. Finally, the Coats for Kids Drive embodies the Y’s commitment to social responsibility, spreading warmth and compassion to those less fortunate. Together, these events weave a tapestry of unity and well-being within the county.

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The Kewash Half Marathon is a community collaboration between volunteer ogranizations, WCHC, WSB, & Washington County Conservation, which provide health and wellness benefit opportunities with in Washington County. Proceeds from this event directly impact multiple non-profit groups right here in our communities. This will be the 11th annual Kewash Trail Half Marathon and we have a distance for everyone; a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. The Kewash Half Marathon is a USATF certified race Course; Certification Code IA1005MF! This is an out and back, fast, non-technical course. The Kewash Trail is a gradual decline and incline with some flat areas, it is NOT a hilly course by any means, but you will see some short small hills along the way.

Kewash Half Marathon website

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Every year the YMCA of Washington County hosts an Annual Gala at the Wellman Parkside YMCA Banquet Hall. Guests will enjoy a delicious meal with dessert, a silent auction, entertainment, and special programs. All proceeds from the Annual Gala will benefit the Annual Scholarship Fund to ensure no child, individual, or family is turned away from life enriching programs due to the inability to pay.

Sign up to attend, donate or volunteer at the 2024 Gala

2024 Gala Information

Coat collections begin in September with the give away happening the third week of October

This annual program happens in early autumn and is a collaboration with the Washington Public Library, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Ann C. Williams Office and the Y. The program provides the organization and intake of lightly used or new winter coats for kids in the community who find themselves in need. Donate your new or gently used coats, jackets, hats, gloves and scarves. Drop boxes will be located at Farm Bureau Financial Services, Ann C. Williams Office and the Washington Community Y. Items will be distributed (while they last) at the Washington Public Library.

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Every year the Wellman Parkside YMCA hosts an evening for every Princess and her Prince. The Father Daughter Dance, is always a night to remember. DJ, dancing, photo booth, crafts, desserts, and memories that will last a lifetime! This is a great night for girls to bond with their father figure and have fun with their friends. Don’t worry Dad’s there are plenty of us that aren’t great dancers (we promise your daughters won’t care they just want a fun evening with you).

Registration Closed

Every year the Washington Community Y hosts a Trunk or Treat. This event features a parking lot full of Trunks, Halloween Themed Arts and Crafts, Halloween Games, Sports Activities and so much more! Families are encouraged to wear their costumes and have fun together. It’s sure to be a great opportunity to get active and enjoy some quality family time!

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This event has been a staple in Washington County for over fifty years. The Christmas Bazaar gives kids a chance to build confidence, independence, and sense of pride that comes from spending money they earned to purchase gifts for the loved ones in their lives. Children have a special opportunity to develop positive life skills and values through this event. The Bazaar helps encourage the gift of giving, in the true spirit for the holiday season. Upon check-in, each child will fill out gift tags for the people they are shopping for. Parents and younger siblings can wait outside the doors and enjoy coloring pages, a movie, breakfast treats, & refreshments, while the shoppers get to work. Each child will be assigned an elf, a volunteer from the Y acting as their personal shopping assistant. Items are priced from $0.50 to $5, and range from jewelry to books to items for dads and grandpas. After the items are paid for, kids are taken to a wrapping center where the purchases are wrapped, gift tagged and ready to be set under the tree at home. The bazaar is open to children from any town and a membership to the Y is not required. The only requirement is that the list stays at 10 items and under to ensure each child who attends has an opportunity to purchase something because the goal is to give kids an opportunity to be involved in the gift giving process using what they have saved up in their piggy banks. Registration is required for each shopper! Please contact the Y to register your child for this event by calling 319-653-2141 or email marketing@washingtony.org

Now accepting donations. Registration for kid shoppers opens November 1st

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The YMCA of Washington County Board of Directors invites all Y members, participants, and community members to attend their annual dinner. The evening is principally a shareholder’s report for the community. The Y releases its financial statement from the previous year, recognizes the businesses and individuals who have supported the Annual Scholarship Fund Drive Campaign. New and outgoing board members are recognized & honored. Enjoy an evening of reflection on the Y’s community impact, and learn more about what the future holds for your YMCA of Washington County through the gift of possibility.

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Check off those names on your Holiday shopping list in one place! There will be shopping, food, and beverage trucks. This event will take place at the Wellman Parkside YMCA Banquet Hall.

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Now looking for vendors! Contact Brooke Stout: parksidemembership@washingtony.org if you would like information on how to be a part of this event.

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