The winners of the 2019 Firecracker 5k stand to be recognized by the Slippery Rock Rotary Club. The event is returning this year after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

The upcoming Firecracker 5k in Slippery Rock is meant to prepare people for the Independence Day holiday through an easy run or walk.

The course is a straight shot down West Cooper Street and back, and an organizer said the view is nice, so long as the weather holds out July 3.

“I'll call it a nice country lane,” said Karen Pierce, president-elect of the Slippery Rock Rotary Club. “It's not too hilly, and it's just a straight shot out and back.”

The Slippery Rock Rotary Club organized the first Firecracker 5k run/2 mile walk in 2019 to raise money for local charities such as the Slippery Rock Community Library, Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company and EMT service and the summer lunch program.

The first race had about 40 participants, which Pierce said was a good start. The event had to be canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus.

Pierce said she thinks more people will be interested in participating this year because of all the cancellations last year.

“I am hoping that we will attract more runners than we had in our previous race,” Pierce said. “It's right before the holiday, so we're hoping people come out.”

People who pre-register for the race will receive a T-shirt for their participation. Pierce also said the male and female winner of each age group will receive a $25 gift certificate.

The race starts at Ginger Hill at 7:15 a.m. July 3, with registration beginning at 6:45 a.m. Pre-registration can be completed by emailing Pierce at pabooklady@msn.com, and costs $25 for adults and $20 for youths under age 12.

Pierce said she is looking forward to the event.

“We just want to have good weather and good fun for everyone,” Pierce said.