Chamber Day Gets a Healthy Makeover

The hotdogs and hamburgers will still be there, but this year’s Community will have a decidedly healthier look.

The fifth annual Chamber Day, taking place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at in Glen Burnie, will feature the usual spread of food and games with a few activities for runners, walkers and local kids.

This year’s Chamber Day will be the first to have a , a one-mile walk and a tot trot—a 50-yard dash to the finish line. Organizers also will provide free health screenings and attendees can give blood.

“We thought it would be great to add another component to Chamber Day,” said Diane Montier, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and owner of in Glen Burnie, adding that the exercise options would encourage a wide swath of Chamber Day visitors to participate. “We wanted there to be a little something for everyone.”

Chamber Day traditionally has been a family-friendly event promoting local banks, restaurants, nonprofit organizations and a range of other groups and businesses, said Carol Boyer, the chamber’s membership director.

This year, she said, while bringing nearby businesses together with area residents, Chamber Day also will serve as a kickoff event for National Health and Fitness Month.

The community should “not only be healthy fiscally, but also physically,” said Boyer, who worked in the health industry before joining the Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Day’s health screenings will include blood pressure tests, audiology tests and cholesterol and triglyceride checks by staff members from Harbor Hospital. And for those looking for a little relaxation after a run in the 5K or mile walk, free seated massages will be available.

Harbor Hospital staff also will run the blood drive, Boyer said, and local volunteer firefighters will answer attendees’ questions.

Chamber Day organizers promised the event would have its usual attractions, such as face painting and clowns for the kids.

The winner of Saturday’s 5K run won’t be the only one to receive a medal from the Chamber of Commerce, Montier said. There will be about 20 medals handed out after the race for various age groups and first-, second- and third-place finishes.

Montier said the 5K course will be flat throughout, making the layout ideal “for people who love getting out there and trying to set their record time.”

The Arundel Christian Church youth group will sell hamburgers and pulled-pork sandwiches to raise money for an upcoming missions trip, organizer said.

"People will always get their share of good food here," Montier said.