In a tribute to the “The Wizard of Oz,” Spalding University will host its 42nd Annual Running of the Rodents “The Race to Oz” April 10 in the University Center Building.
Trained rodents will compete for the garland of fruit-flavored cereal-o’s as they speed around a miniature racetrack — .024 furlongs in length — created by Spalding alumna and former “Rat Queen” Madonna Wilson. Local news personality Dawne Gee of WAVE 3 will emcee the races.
A public parade will precede the Running of the Rodents. Parade participants will be dressed in Wizard of Oz attire and racing fans will wear decorated hats as part of the annual “Rat Hat” contest.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at Mother Catherine Square and proceed north on Library Lane and west across Spalding Parking Lot A to the University Center Building. Call to post is at 11:30 a.m.
Lunch will be sold (cash only) following race day festivities in the University Center Ballroom, 824 S. Fourth Street.
