Jingle Dash draws nearly 150 to Binder Lake

Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune photo:
Nearly 150 people registered to participate Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in the Jingle Dash at Binder Park. The annual fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson City takes runners and walkers through a mile of the Capital City Festival of Lights at Binder Lake.
Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune photo: Nearly 150 people registered to participate Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in the Jingle Dash at Binder Park. The annual fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson City takes runners and walkers through a mile of the Capital City Festival of Lights at Binder Lake.


Cookies and hot cocoa aren't typical race fuel.

Unless you're preparing for the annual Jingle Dash through the Capital City Festival of Lights at Binder Park.

More than 140 people, many dressed in holiday attire, strolled through the light displays at Binder Lake early Sunday evening to raise money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson City. The most festive of the bunch won awards.

The Walking Nativity group, with wise men, shepherds and a lamb, took first.

"It's just a fun way to get in the holiday spirit," said Lee Knernschield, program director with the local Big Brothers and Big Sisters chapter.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson City hosts the Jingle Dash, now in its sixth year, as an annual fundraiser. The event transitioned from a competitive 5K race to a self-paced walk in 2020.

Knernschield said the switch has been going well.

"I think we actually probably draw a different crowd," she said. "We've got people that love to compete and run a 5K, and this is also a pretty good family event to bring out kids of all ages. I think that makes it really enjoyable."

Ashley Balkenbush was one of the competitive types taking time to stretch before dashing through the course.

Balkenbush has competed in some kind of race every month for the past two years. She said she's done at least two 10Ks and several 5Ks around Mid-Missouri this year.

She ran the Jingle Dash last year and liked it enough to do it again this year.

"I liked that it was like a nighttime race with Christmas lights because most races are in the morning and not as festive," Balkenbush said. "The December races I've done before, they're OK. They've got the costumes and the music and the spirit, but there's no Christmas lights. And I like Christmas lights."

The Jingle Dash course traveled along the edge of Binder Lake for a mile before directing runners and walkers back to the start.

Homemaker Health Care puts a lot of effort into putting the lights up and a stroll through is a good way to get into the holiday spirit with family and friends, Knernschield said.

She said Sunday's turnout of nearly 150 folks was typical.

"While it's not a big money-maker event for us, it's just a good community event," Knernschield said. "And every dollar counts to help with our overall admissions."

All of the registration funds from the Jingle Dash go to support operations at Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Knernschield said the goal Sunday night was to raise about $7,000.

It takes money and staff to perform enrollment screenings and match Littles and Bigs together, she added.

"I was really happy with the turnout," Knernschield said. "I think it was great. Obviously, there's a lot of deserving charities in the community, so when people come out and support our agency, we're very thankful."

Knernschield said Big Brothers and Big Sisters, which serves all of Cole County, is always looking for more people to become Bigs. There are currently 130 mentors matched with local children. Knernschield said with more Bigs, the organization could have mentors for another 30 children.

"If you've ever thought about becoming a Big, give it a try," Knernschield said. "One hour a week is all it takes, but it makes such a huge, meaningful impact in children's lives."

  photo  Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune photo: Lee Knernschield, program director with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson City, addresses a crowd of nearly 150 walkers and runners Sunday evening, Dec. 11, 2022, before they took off for the Jingle Dash at Binder Park.
 
 
  photo  Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune photo: Adam Kell and his 2-year-old son Patrick stroll past a light display of Santa's sleigh Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, during the Jingle Dash at Binder Park. The annual fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson City transitioned from a competitive 5K to a self-paced stroll about two years ago.
 
 
  photo  Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune photo: The Walking Nativity group took first place in the Jingle Dash costume contest. The annual fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson City takes runners and walkers through a mile of the Capital City Festival of Lights at Binder Lake.
 
 
  photo  Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune photo: Finalists for third place in the Jingle Dash costume contest wait for the winner to be announced. The annual fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson City takes runners and walkers through a mile of the Capital City Festival of Lights at Binder Lake.