BENTON HARBOR/ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Folks in the northern part of Berrien County will now have an opportunity to get out and run before they stuff their bellies with all sorts of holiday food this Thanksgiving.

In addition to the holiday lights ceremony on Friday, the conservancy will host the inaugural Twin Cities Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot at 9 a.m. Thursday. The race begins in Dwight P. Mitchell City Park, which is located at 213 East Wall Street.

To register for the AEP Twin Cities Thanksgiving Day 5&10K Run/Walk Turkey Trot visit www.twincitiesturkeytrot.com

“Last year was such an overwhelming success that we have been able to enhance our Christmas light display in the park, add luminaries throughout the arts district with shops and restaurants having extended hours,” said Stephannie Harvey-Vandenberg, BHPR conservancy president. “In true Twin Cities form, we have collaborated with St. Joe Today and their 21st Annual Luminary Festival by inviting everyone to take a stroll through the beautiful candlelit streets in downtown St. Joe to see as many as 1,000 luminaries once the Holiday Light Ceremony program has commenced.”

Harvey-Vandenberg said this year, there will be bragging rights given to the downtown business that has the best holiday display in their storefront window.

“We are excited that by partnering with the Southwest Michigan Racers, we are able to have created an annual, local Thanksgiving Day run that impacts and benefits our community in a positive way,” she said. “It is the mission, goal and purpose of the BHPRC to create vibrant programming around our parks and to promote vibrant neighborhoods while bringing families together to create memories.”

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact contact Stephannie Harvey-Vandenberg, President, BH Parks Conservancy at (321) 287-4559, or email svandenberg1802@gmail.com.

The Benton Harbor Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization provides maintenance for 13 parks throughout the city of Benton Harbor.