Dear Editor,

What a great town we live in. The organizers of the 2002 Tater Trot and its beneficiary, the Carbondale Youth Soccer Club, wish to thank all who made the event such a huge success.

This year Industrial Inspection Services joined Handcrafted Carpets, River Valley Ranch and the Red Rock Diner as a major sponsor of the race. Welcome aboard to Becky Germillion of Industrial Inspection as a sponsor and as an aid in race organization.

Next the event would like to thank the many businesses in town who contribute prizes and gift certificates to the post race raffle. A special thanks to the local businesses because they also contribute to the Potato Day general fund. Support them all by shopping locally.

Race day is when it all happens. Phone calls and handshakes are always followed by “What can I do to help.” Each year many volunteers return to help, and they are joined by others who will continue making the race happen. We say thanks to all these timers, finish line crew, course marshals and sign-up crew who rise while others sleep. Thanks to all for your time.

Lastly thanks to the participants who made up the field of runners and walkers who followed Nelson Oldham taking his dad for a morning ride on his vintage tandem bike. Everyone chased Charlie Wertheim of Glenwood who set a course record. We look forward to seeing all runners, young bikers, bladers, walkers and dogs at next year’s race. Like I said, what a great, beautiful place we live in.

P.S. The race raised $2,500 for the soccer program. Thanks all.

Bob Olenick

Carbondale