Supporters of Hell’s Half Mile run like hell
By Isaac DeVille, staff reporter.
Runners took off for their half mile run on Sunday morning, Sept. 25 to start the conclusion of Hell’s Half Mile.
Participants that registered for the race were given two free vouchers to Hell’s Half Mile Sunday films, and a free drink at Tavern 101 on Water St. Hell’s Half Mile encourages people to venture out of their comfort zones to join them next year in the 3rd annual half mile run.
“The reason we have the Hell’s Half Mile run is to keep people coming back on Sunday. We have great numbers and people really love it because some people never run a race in their life, but they get to do a half mile,” says board member Dawn Hessell. “I think it’s the only one of its kind!”
Paulette Pashak, Auburn, says, “You know how racers wear their stickers for 26.2? Well, we have 0.5 and we love it.”
Hell’s Half Mile also works in conjunction with other businesses who support the Hell’s Half Mile. Businesses are happy to do so, like future business The Bay City Cooperative Market.
Hell’s Half Mile works in conjunction with local business who also support Hell’s Half Mile. Businesses include Populace Coffee, Tavern 101, First Matter Media and future business, The Bay City Cooperative Market, a local up-and-coming grocery store.
“Well, what’s wonderful about HHM is they are very progressive as far as working with community partners, not just us, but a lot of other businesses in the community,” Proud Hellian, Christina Schubert said. “It’s just a great effort of not only trying to bring more people to Bay City to spend their dollars and to have fun and hear stories we’ve never heard before, but also to showcase what’s in our town. The Bay City Cooperative Market is glad to partner with them, because we feel that they bring in the type of crowd that is sort of progressive in their thinking.”
Kyle Payne, competitive racer and first place winner of the run says, “[It’s] just something to do on a Sunday Morning. I did it last year too, so why not?”
The overall consensus was that the race was a hit.
Newcomer, Emmanuel Southern of Saginaw says, “It’s been going on for the last 11 years, and I just thought it would be nice to do something different. I got here and I’ve been having a ball all weekend.”
Hell’s Half Mile closes with “Borealis”
By Brandi Miller, staff reporter.
After four days of being packed to the brim with filmmakers, actors and musicians, Bay City’s Hell’s Half Mile Film and Music festival came to a close on Sunday, Sept. 25 with the film “Borealis.”
“I think this year’s festival was a success. The films were incredible, people seemed to enjoy the music, and we had some great events that featured some great filmmakers,” says Alan LaFave, director of Hell’s Half Mile.
Over its 11 years of existence Hell’s Half Mile has garnered more and more support from the community. According to LaFave, the festival has benefited from a growing number of volunteers.
“We’ve had some great additions to our teams in the last few years. We planned things a lot differently than we have in the past and things seem to be going a lot smoother, not everything, but most things. This year it just came down to the amazing bands and great films that people are actually enjoying. It’s really just back to the core of what we are which is a film and music festival,” says LaFave.
LaFave says that while that past few years have been great there are a few changes he’d like make in the coming years, such as getting more people involved.
“I think next year we’re going to try to get even more people involved with putting on the festival. That way there will be more new stuff going on because there are new ideas from new people and it helps to get so much more done. When there’s more participation, it makes a more interesting festival,” says LaFave.
Filmmakers were also impressed by the festival. Between the beauty of Bay City itself, the entertainment and how passionate the crew of Hell’s Half Mile is.
Guest filmmakers, such as director of “The Hollywood Shorties,” Ryan Steven Greene, were impressed with the festival.
“I almost immediately wished I would’ve shown up earlier in the festival. Hell’s Half Mile from the start was very communicative, very responsive, and very professional. I was just really impressed. I love this place and wish I could have been here for more than two days.”
