New color run coming to Colorama

A new 5K Colorama Color Run will be held at North Dam Park this year, adding literal “color” for Colorama to participants who want to revel in the spirit of the festival.

The run begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at North Dam Park. For those who pre-register at grandcouleedam.org/colorrun or at the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce, the cost is $22 and includes a T-shirt. Registration on the day of the run will cost $25, and a T-shirt is not guaranteed.

Those on the run will receive a T-shirt and can get an optional spray of color at six locations along the way.

The route will cross North Dam and wind its way along trails for the 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). The racers will not run along the highway.

The Colorama carnival will feature a Ferris wheel, among a string of other rides, according to Rainier Amusements spokesperson Traci Newton.

Newton said Monday that, in addition to the Ferris wheel, there will be rides such as the YoYo, Spider, Helicopter, Vortex and Ali Baba. This will be Rainier Amusements’ first Colorama visit.

Newton said Rainier Amusements takes pride in providing family entertainment and that rides for all ages are a feature of the firm.

The popular pre-sale for carnival tickets began this week, with a one-day ticket selling for $20. The cost of a daily ticket at the site will be $28.

Pre-event tickets are available at the chamber of commerce office, the Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union, Coulee Hardware, Loepp Furniture, H&H Grocery, Trading Post near Nespelem, and The Star newspaper.

Also, Colorama button sales started last week, with buttons available at a number of local businesses. The $3 buttons are numbered for prizes in a drawing scheduled for Saturday, May 13.

Another popular feature of Colorama this year will be helicopter rides.

For the fifth year, Inland Helicopter will be on hand to take Colorama visitors on a helicopter ride over the area. Flights cost $30 per person if there are at least three people along, or $40 each if there are fewer than three.

Flights will be available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Flights take off from the ball field at North Dam Park.