The Chamber has welcomed spring as a sign it’s time to kick event planning into high gear. It’s a busy season, in general, with graduation parties, weddings and summer vacations on the horizon, and we, at the chamber, hope you’ll consider putting some of our favorite community events on your calendar. By supporting chamber events, you support the community by keeping your money local, and proceeds from our events benefit local charities and organizations.

On May 13, the chamber will host its annual RUNorwalk event where runners and walkers of all ages will race along the streets of Norwalk. New in 2023 is the addition of a 10K route for athletes looking for a longer distance race. The route will begin at Norwalk High School at the Anytime Fitness Starting Line where athletes will take off after the Gregg Young Chevrolet Pace Car. Runners and walkers will make their way through town and return to the school to cross the finish line on the track and enjoy cold water and refreshments provided by City State Bank. Norwalk Family Dentistry has sponsored the Kids Fun Run, a short-distance race on the high school track for kids ages 8 and younger (no registration is required for the Kids Fun Run). A portion of the RUNorwalk event proceeds will benefit the Norwalk Area Food Pantry. Stop by Fareway (1711 Sunset Drive) from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on April 13 to register in person or to donate non-perishable items during the RUNorwalk food drive. For more information about RUNorwalk, visit the chamber’s website at norwalkchamber.org.

The chamber’s annual golf outing will take place on June 21 at the Legacy Golf Course. Golfers can register to hit the links and network with other chamber and community members. Proceeds from this event go toward the chamber’s scholarship fund. Each year, the Scholarship Task Force selects graduating Norwalk High School seniors to receive scholarships that can be used toward college or trade school. Registration is now open for the golf outing and can be found on the chamber’s website.

We’re excited to work with Hometown Pride, among other groups, to put on this year’s Celebrate Norwalk event on the Fourth of July. We’re hoping for good weather and a great turnout for the parade, party in the park and fireworks show. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information as planning gets underway.

Our various committees are busy planning additional events, networking opportunities and workshops for 2023, so I encourage you to follow the Norwalk Area Chamber on social media, including Facebook and Instagram, to stay up to date on chamber activity. If you’d like to participate in any of our events, volunteer, or get involved with the chamber, please reach out via info@norwalkchamber.org. We’d love to have you.