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WARREN, Pa. – CORE is hosting its third annual “Life is Glow;rious” glow in the dark event on Saturday, Oct. 2 in downtown Warren.
What originally started as a glow-in-the-dark walk at War Memorial Field is being moved to Liberty Street and 2nd Avenue in downtown this year to accommodate more activities. The event helps CORE (Choosing Openness Regarding Experiences) raise awareness about mental health issues.
“The event’s purpose is to bring awareness to mental health and suicide and make talking about these topics as easy as talking about physical ailments,” CORE founder Kari Swanson said.
“Life is Glow;rious” will be held from 6 – 10 p.m. and both Liberty Street and 2nd Avenue will be blocked to allow foot traffic only. There is no fee to attend, though donations are accepted, and the event is open to all ages.
“Participants are encouraged to wear glow-in-the-dark attire and many accessories will be available for purchase,” Swanson said. “Downtown businesses have been encouraged to light up their store fronts for the event and the downtown area will be lit with fun balloons and lights.”
Luminaries will be placed on the streets during the event to honor or memorialize those who have or are struggling with mental health and/or suicide.
The luminaries are currently available at the Warren County YMCA and will also be available during the event. Cost is a donation “from the heart.”
In addition to the walk and luminaries, Molly Dies Dance Express dancers will perform excerpts from their upcoming holiday show. The Fairy Tale Troupe will be on hand as well, and the event will include musical performances from North of Roots and Tune in Tokyo.
Posters done by area art students for CORE’s billboards will be on display throughout the event.
Individuals and businesses have donated more than 40 baskets which will be raffled during “Life is Glow;rious” as well. Mental health awareness t-shirts will also be available for purchase.
“There will be several areas to paint rocks to be placed around Warren County to remind people that they matter and that they are loved,” Swanson said.
All proceeds will be used for mental health and suicide prevention awareness events, programming and billboard projects in Warren County.
For more information about CORE, please visit www.corewarrenpa.org.
