Huntington Beach Walk To End Alzheimer's Returns At Bolsa Chica

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Huntington Beach residents can come together to honor loved ones, support caregivers and raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease when the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's returns Saturday to Bolsa Chica State Beach.

Organized by the Alzheimer's Association, the community fundraising event will bring families, friends and supporters together for a two-mile walk along the Huntington Beach coastline.

The event will take place at Bolsa Chica State Beach, 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, with registration opening at 9 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10:45 a.m.

Participation is free, but all walkers must register and complete a waiver through the Alzheimer's Association before joining the event.

Participants can register individually, create a fundraising team or join an existing team. Although there is no registration fee or minimum fundraising requirement, organizers encourage participants to make a personal donation and raise money to support the cause.

Funds raised through the event will benefit the Alzheimer's Association's efforts to provide care and support services for people affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, as well as research aimed at advancing treatments and finding a cure.

One of the event's traditions is the Promise Garden ceremony, during which participants carry colorful flowers representing their personal connection to Alzheimer's disease.

Blue flowers represent people living with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, while purple flowers honor those who have died from the disease. Yellow flowers recognize caregivers, and orange flowers represent supporters of the cause.

Each registered participant will receive a Promise Garden flower.

Registered walkers who raise at least $100 will also qualify for an official Walk to End Alzheimer's T-shirt, which is mailed to participants.

Families are welcome to participate, and strollers are permitted. For safety reasons, organizers discourage bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and shoes with wheels.

Dogs must remain leashed and are subject to state beach restrictions, including a prohibition on dogs on the sand.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with event setup, registration, water stations, the Promise Garden and cleanup.

Residents planning to drive should prepare for parking restrictions at Bolsa Chica State Beach. California State Parks has announced that parking lots 20 through 24 will be occupied by a special event Saturday. Other beach visitors are encouraged to use the southern day-use parking lots.

Vehicle parking fees may apply, and rates can vary during special events.

The walk is scheduled to take place rain or shine, although severe weather could lead to cancellation.

For event information, registration or volunteer opportunities, visit the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's website.

Residents with questions can also contact event representative Jackie Furman at 949-426-8544 or email ocwalks@alz.org.