This weekend, Zelienople celebrates a 57-year tradition with its Annual Horse Trading Days community festival of fun.

The party kicks off on Thursday at 2 p.m. and runs through Saturday with music, food, crafts and kids activities.

Festivities start earlier on Saturday with the sixth Annual Hot-to-Trot 5k at 8 a.m. A 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will be held following the conclusion of the 5k and a 50-meter Tot Trot concludes the morning's exercise events.

Hot-to-Trot began when a new organizational committee headed by Matthew Edwards took over in 2015. Matthew's wife Janel, a runner herself, is race director for the event.

The original Hot-to-Trot with approximately 50 finishers was held on the streets of Zelienople. Over the years, the event has grown to nearly 200 participants, mostly for the 5k distance.

After much planning and deliberation, Hot-to-Trot debuts an entirely new course at a new location, Glade Run Adventures on the campus of Glade Run Lutheran Services. The new course is entirely on Glade Run grounds, looping through parking lots, roads, gravel and grass trails past scenic stables, riding arena and horse pastures.

Although the changing terrain, especially on the approximately three-quarters of a mile in grass, can be challenging, the new course eliminates a major climb up Cemetery Hill and the automobile traffic through town on the old course. Overall, organizers believe this will be a more scenic, interesting and enjoyable route.

Matthew says that strollers are not recommended in the 5k because of the grass and gravel surfaces, but are welcome for the 1-mile, which is on paved road only. Well-behaved dogs on short leashes are welcome at either distance. The 50-meter Tot Trot will be held on the smooth grass surface of the soccer field.

All participants in any of the three events will earn a finisher's medal, swag bag and t-shirt, although those registering in this final week may not have a choice of shirt sizes.

Runners in the 5k can vie for competitive awards for the first three male and female finishers. Top age group finishers in 10-year increments from 19 and under through 70-plus also earn awards. The 1-mile event is untimed and begins at the conclusion of the 5k, giving 5k runners the option for more mileage.

There will be two water stations on the 5k course and plenty of refreshments following the race. Refreshments include coffee and donuts, cookies, bananas and, for those over 21, beer from local ShuBrew brewery.

Although COVID restrictions have been relaxed, there will be heightened sanitation in preparation and serving of refreshments and distancing is still encouraged.

Matthew encourages all participants and spectators to arrive early for the 8 a.m. start. There's plenty of parking, but the entrance to the parking area is on the race course. Once the runners are lined up, traffic will be held back.

If you haven't registered for Hot-to-Trot yet, it's not too late. Online registration is open at www.horsetradingdays.com/events/hot-to-trot-5k-1-mile-tot-trot until noon on Friday. You may register or pick up your packet at the main information booth at the corner of Spring and Main Streets on Thursday and Friday of Horse Trading Days or register at the starting area on race day.

Come for the race, stay for the day.

Horse Trading Days activities planned for Saturday begin with a dog show at 10 a.m., followed by a hot dog eating contest and music all afternoon and evening on the main stage. Kids activities include baby races, water balloon and egg toss, pony rides and petting zoo and more.

For more information, a complete schedule of activities or to register for Hot-to-Trot, visit www.horsetradingdays.com

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Hot-to-Trot 5k, 1-Mile and Tot-Trot, Zelienople. Run at Glade Run Adventures, part of Horse Trading Days festival. www.horsetradingdays.com/events/hot-to-trot-5k-1-mile-tot-trotSaturday, 8 a.m.: Lake Arthur Half Marathon, Portersville. Mix of single-track trail and paved bike path starting at McDanel Boat Launch. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/LakeArthurHalfMarathonSaturday, 9 a.m.: BZ Classic 5k, Ridgway. Run on Clarion-Toby rail trail. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Ridgway/BZClassic5KSaturday, 9 a.m.: Susquehanna Classic, Curwensville. Choice of 5k, 10k or 5k walk. 814-236-3455 or sharonike@verizon.netSunday, 6:45 a.m.: Presque Isle Half Marathon, Erie. Starts at Beach 1 Pavilion in Presque Isle State Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/PresqueIsleHalfMarathonSunday, 8 a.m.: Ohio River Trail Council River Run 5k and 10k Road Race, Beaver Falls. Starts at Brady's Run Park Lodge. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Rochester/OhioRiverTrailCouncilRiverRunRoadRaceSeriesSummer2019July 21, 7 p.m.: 21st Annual Kalajainen Klassic 5k/1 Mile Race, New Castle. Run in Cascade Park, also 5k virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/KalajainenKlassic5KRunWalkJuly 24, 8:30 a.m.: 19th Annual Rube's Run 5k, Prospect. Virtual option but no kids race this year. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Prospect/RUBESRUNJuly 24, 9 a.m.: Shannock Valley Community Festival 5k Run and Fun Walk, Rural Valley. Run through town is part of the Shannock Valley Community Festival held July 22-24. 724-783-6688 or www.svcfestival.comJuly 25, 8 a.m.: Kinzua Half Marathon and 5k, Mount Jewett. Starts near Kinzua Skywalk, runs out-and-back on Know Kane Rail Trail. The 5k event is run on Friday, July 24 at 7 P.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/MountJewett/KinzuaHalfMarathonJuly 25, 8 a.m.: Run With the Deer Flies 15k & 25k Trail Runs, Penn Run. Challenging course at Seph Mack Boy Scout Camp, Yellow Creek State Park. 724-422-8388, dwalker100k@gmail.com or runsignup.com/Race/PA/PennRun/RunWithTheDeerFlies25K15KJuly 28, 7 p.m.: Fredonia 5k, Fredonia. Race #3 of Mercer County Twilight QUAD. Also half-mile kids race. 724-866-1374 or secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=135822July 31, 9 a.m.: John Cossy Costantino Memorial 5k and 10k, Freeport. Run through downtown Freeport, second race in Freeport Triple Crown series. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Freeport/JohnCossyConstantinoMemorial5KAug. 1, 8 a.m.: Hermitage Arts Festival 5k and 2 Mile, Hermitage. Held at White Olympic Park. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Hermitage/HermitageYMCAArtFestivalracesAugust 1, 7 P.M.: Michael R. Hardesty Memorial Scholarship 5k Run/Walk, Stoneboro. Also kids half-mile run at 6:45 P.M. 724-699-4160 or hardestyrlm@netscape.netAug. 6, 7 p.m.: Road to Trail 5k Run and Walk, Mckeesport. Run through scenic White Oak Park with a mix of road, wooded trails and grass fields. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Mckeesport/RoadtoTrail5KRunandWalkAug. 7, 7:30 a.m.: Two Face 10k, Wexford. Run 10k road race followed by 10k on trails in North Park. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Wexford/TwoFace10KAug. 7, 9 a.m.: St. Barnabas Free Care 5k, Gibsonia. 724-625-3770 or ssommariva@stbarnabashealthsystem.comAug. 7, 8:30 a.m.: Moraine Regatta 5k, Portersville. Run on Sunken Garden Trail on Lake Arthur's South Shore. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/MoraineRegatta5k

Edinboro Sprint Triathlon, June 5: Dan Pierce, 1st Overall M, 1:01:44; Cheyenne Noble, 1st Overall W, 1:03:43; Alex Zarger, 3rd Overall M, 1:05:37; Phil Jones, 1st 55-59 M, 1:10:53; Cathy McManus, 1st 50-54 W, 1:15:16; Stacey Shaffer, 3rd 40-44 W, 1:21:07; Linda Kruscke, 2nd 60-64 W, 2:17:02; Sarah Jones, 1:49:07; Michael Kruscke, 2:17:17Edinboro Olympic Triathlon, June 5: Matt McWilliams, 1st Overall M, 1:50:27; Desiree Terella, 1st Overall W, 2:21:34; Ray Reinheimer, 1st 35-39 M, 2:09:56; Larry McDonough, 1st 55-59 M, 2:37:06; Robert Wheathall, 1st 65-69 M, 2:54:58; Michelle Pekich, 2nd 55-59 W, 3:18:36; Paul Arters, 3:01:57Lake Wilhelm Marathon, June 6: Alan Groudle, 1st Overall M, 2:52:32; Becca Johnson, 1st Overall W, 3:13:13; Sean Fox, 3rd 30-39 M, 3:11:36; Thomas Gramc, 3:22:42; Matthew Bova, 3:51:13; Hannah Gildersleeve, 4:09:38; Jimmie Couch, 4:26:24; John Armstrong, 4:29:23; Lori Fromlak, 4:48:47; Jennie Couch, 5:16:06Lake Wilhelm Half Marathon, June 6: Ryan Budnik, 1st Overall M, 1:17:27; Leah Anne Weaver, 1st Overall W, 1:22:38; Andrew Maxwell, 1st 18-29 M, 1:25:50; Jack Kelley, 1st 30-39 M, 1:32:36; Jason Sittler, 1st 40-49 M, 1:36:34; Meredith Heusey, 1st 30-39 W, 1:45:40; Caitlyn Snyder, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:49:37; Dana Nicklas, 2nd 50-59 W, 2:03:00; Margaret Carlson, 1st 60+ W, 2:30:22; Patricia Neubert, 2nd 60+ W, 2:35:42; Riley McGee, 1:33:06; Matt Rhenish, 1:43:27; Caleb Rauscher, 1:50:33; Tim Heusey, 1:52:07; Jinny Hertweck, 2:02:30; Valerie McGee, 2:04:16; Marnie Smith, 2:08:06; Coleen Whalen, 2:10:44; Jaclyn Rauscher, 2:12:44; Wendy Wick, 2:12:59; Erin Stonebraker, 2:13:17; Kate Yeager, 2:13:17; Mary Caton, 2:13:18; Adrianna Alatorre, 2:14:11; Elle Kelley, 2:15:05; Kayla Albert, 2:17:11Bigfoot Festival 5k Run, June 13: Owen Reeher, 1st Overall M, 17:14; Rylee Currier, 1st Overall W, 23:38; Mitch Radella, 3rd 50-59 M, 23:55; Mike Reddinger, 1st 60-69 M, 25:16; Quinn Adams, 2nd 20-29 W, 26:06; Gerry Riazzi, 3rd 60-69 M, 26:12; Monica Goss, 3rd 20-29 W, 26:17; Levi Richards, 1st 19 & Under M, 26:26; Karen Guth, 1st 40-49 W, 26:52; Rebecca Eichner, 1st 50-59 W, 30:02; Leah Chambers, 2nd 30-39 W, 30:51; Ryan Leonberg, 23:59; Troy Edgehouse, 24:21; Conrad Reichert, 27:28; Emily Lowe, 28:20; David Corapi, 34:26; Addison Hecci, 34:53; Steve Raybuck, 35:47; Sydney Richards, 36:17; Joel Leonberg, 36:17; Jessica Richards, 36:19; Mary Ellen Staments, 48:48; Olivia Hecci, 54:14Bigfoot Festival 5k Walk, June 13: Carl Kondrach, 1st Overall M, 30:16; Amy Adams, 1st Overall W, 49:06; Kirk Adams, 49:05; Kaitlyn Smith, 1:19:26; Michelle Raukin, 1:19:28Strawberry Days 5k, June 23: Jed Christianson, 1st Overall M, 15:51; Angela Taylor, 1st Overall W, 18:39; Kris Cornell, 1st Masters M, 18:10; Julie Demarco, 1st Masters W, 20:07; Jimmie Couch, 1st 12-15 M, 18:40; Nathan Depew, 2nd 50-54 M, 20:17; Leslie Kramer, 1st 40-44 W, 21:22; Michael Brown, 2nd 65-69 M, 21:37; Todd Allman, 2nd 55-59 M, 22:06; Vanessa Snyder, 2nd 30-34 W, 22:14; John Armstrong, 3rd 55-59 M, 22:58; Ashley Henshaw, 1st 35-39 W, 23:58; Andrew Gildersleeve, 2nd 10-11 M, 24:25; Hannah Gildersleeve, 2nd 35-39 W, 24:27; Claire Allman, 3rd 25-29 W, 24:32; Brian Hammel, 2nd 45-49 M, 24:33; Mandy James, 3rd 35-39 W, 24:45; James Edmonds, 1st 9 & Under M, 26:12; Cindy Suber, 1st 60-64 W, 26:46; David Peck, 3rd 40-44 M, 27:33; Jim Lakin, 2nd 70+ M, 28:25; Debbie Courtney, 1st 55-59 W, 28:27; Mary Morgan, 2nd 60-64 W, 28:51; Janet Pudlo, 3rd 55-59 W, 29:46; Karen Steffanina, 2nd 65-69 W, 31:31; Lisa Jamison, 3rd 45-49 W, 31:56; John Siegfried, 3rd 45-49 M, 37:35; Valerie Sands, 2nd 70+ W, 37:47; Evan Miller, 19:29; Anthony Miller, 19:48; Jacob Taciuch, 20:41; Mitch Radella, 24:12; Alayna Bishop, 24:13; David Suber, 24:21; Maria Depew, 24:35; Russell Thompson, 24:50; Kate Jordan, 25:35; Morgan Grandy, 26:39; Jen Beachem, 26:57; Jennie Couch, 27:50; Emmaleah Davis, 27:56; Bill Swanik, 28:23; Michael Gildersleeve, 28:29; Tom McMann, 29:09; Alexis Bishop, 29:28; Bruce Barnes, 30:37; Nathanael Nuss, 31:04; Vicki Brendlinger, 31:53; Tony Sunseri, 32:33; Richard Honsaker, 32:40; Karyn Senita, 33:02; Stephanie McCreary, 33:17; Heidi Fleming, 35:15; Robert Sands, 35:35; Ashley Tuzikow, 35:50; Michele Carson, 40:28; Debbie Jamison, 41:07; Angela Hammel, 46:59; Kaitlyn Boatright, 47:57Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net<i>Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle</i>