“The good Lord did not mean us to sit on our butts.”
This quote appeared in the March 15, 1984 edition of the North Vernon Plain Dealer in the lead-up to the 4th annual Sassafras 10K and Fun Run. amplifier? Orlo Blomquist, a Jennings County resident, remembers sharing the joys of physical activity, fitness, and wellness with the entire community.
Orlo moved to Jennings County to work as an engineer for Cummins. When a friend in his fifties died after years of inactivity, his voice rang out as a wake-up call. Motorcycle enthusiasts and a former flat track racer have added new sports: running and cycling. As his daughter Laura Blomquist-Corcum said, “He read Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s books on exercise as if they were his second bible.”
It didn’t take long before Orlo started sharing his enthusiasm for fitness with the community.
In 1981, the Sassafras 10K format began and this beloved event became the Spring Tonic Sports Festival, including not only a foot race, but also a Jennings County bike tour and regatta on the Muscatatuck River.
As Vernon Mayor Dan Wright recalls, “He built this cannon to shoot at the start of the race. I had a lot of respect and love for Orlo. It came when I was in middle school, early high school age. Just the fact that what he started is still valid today. .that’s so elegant!”
In Orlo’s own words from 1989, “We try to get away from the tough competition and make it fun. That’s what I’m trying to promote.” [Fitness] It can be a lot of fun.”
Today we need the spirit of Orlo’s quest to make fitness fun. According to County Health’s rankings, 35% of Jennings County’s residents are completely sedentary outside of work. This means that people don’t work in the yard, go for walks, do tax work, or play sports. This lack of physical activity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, and other chronic diseases.
But Orlo’s legacy will be on display in full on Saturday, April 30th in Vernon.
Three separate events Orlo Blomquist has started or will surely make him proud. The first is the Spring Tonic 5K Run & Walk hosted by Jennings County Running Club which will start at Vernon Gym at 8 a.m.
“Participants will run through Vernon Cemetery and out to Tunnel Mill before returning to the gym. The trees are beautiful now!” says Jeff Walker, race organizer. “We are excited to bring back the Jennings County tradition and raise funds for Vernon Gym.”
Entry fee is $25 and participants can register on the day starting at 7 a.m. or online at https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Vernon/SpringTonic5KWalk. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and a picture of the finish line, and prizes will be given to the best contestants.
Also in support of Vernon Gym that night, Friends of Historic Vernon Night will be hosting Vernon Trivia Night. Teams of up to eight people can participate starting at 5:30 p.m. and the cost, which includes a taco bar dinner, is $25 per person. Proceeds will go toward maintenance and upgrades at the Vernon Gym.
“We want to keep the price low for people [to rent the Vernon Gym] So that everyone can use it. We want the gym to be functional, a nice place, and we want it to be fun! “
If you would like to test your knowledge, especially your local history, you can respond to the invitation to attend by calling 812-592-0428.
Located between these two events, the Orlo Blomquist Memorial Canoe and Kayak Race is the longest-running event to honor Orlo’s legacy of making fitness fun. This event is organized by the Friends of the Muscatatuck River Society to raise funds for their work in protecting the Muscatatuck River. Registration starts at noon at Vernon Commons and is $10. All non-motorized boats are welcome.
“The race at Vernon Commons will start at 1pm and finish at the launch of the Crosley Green Bridge boat. It should take about an hour and a half, according to Troy Jackson. As usual — the winner from last year will return with the champion paddle to defend his title. “Every winner must sign and date the racket and it has been in circulation for years!”
Orlo’s legacy is a testament to his passion for fitness and making it fun. His daughter Laura, who will be joining the fun on April 30, said: “Orlo will be very excited to see the race back in action and that the regatta is still going on. It was about making fitness a fun family affair and our family holidays are still all about running. Together. Thank you so much for doing this!”
