While planning events for Columbus Day weekend, organizers in Jamestown sought "to promote a healthy lifestyle, a fun lifestyle and a few laughs," said Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the Lucy-Desi Museum and Center for Comedy. Those plans have produced the Lucy Town Half Marathon and 5K, and a performance by comedian Martin Short.
It's the first time for the foot race along a course that "does take you to places of significance in Lucille Ball's life. That includes portions of Celeron and Jamestown, including going by her childhood home," Gunderson said.
The oddity has generated some attention. Gunderson says the race has drawn registrants from 24 states and two Canadian provinces.
The weekend will be headlined by a performance by comedian Martin Short at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 12.
"It's a one-man show," Short said during an interview with WBFO News.
"I’ll be singing. Dancing. All the characters I’ve ever done will show up. Jiminy Glick will interview a surprise guest. Ed Grimley will make an appearance. Franc will discuss ‘who has style and not style.’"
"I take everyone through a fake journey of my life."
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Short says he remains in touch with his hometown where his brother resides. He also keeps tabs on the football heroics of the Hamilton Ti-Cats.
"I grew up watching mainly American television through Buffalo," said as he rattled off a series of names from his childhood, "Tonawanda," "Irv Weinstein," and "Meet the Millers" (the Channel 4 daytime show of the 1950's and 1960's).
More information on the weekend events can be found at www.lucyrace.com.
