Yesterday afternoon, all was quiet on Ridgeway Avenue as the first snow of the season was falling. Tonight will be very different as it is the annual Running of the Balls, when runners dash through Sunset Hills. As the sun sets this evening, all of those glowing ornaments in the trees will guide the runners through the streets. With 4,000 participants, the Running of the Balls is the third largest running event in Greensboro. The event is expected to raise over $50,000 for the Second Harvest Food Bank. There will also be two stages of music and fun will be had by all runners, walkers, and spectators. Plus, many families will be fed as a result of this internationally unique event.

If you have never seen the Running of the Balls, you owe it to yourself to come see it. Streets close at 5:30. You will want to park and walk, but it will be worth every step. Don’t forget to wear festive clothing, bring flashlights, and wear any kind of blinking, sparkling clothing you can find. Part of the beauty of the event is that Sunset Hills has mature trees; so the lights, in some cases, are more than two stories in the air. Also, there are no street lights to emit light pollution. This event has become a grand Greensboro tradition. And this breathtaking decorating tradition got its start at the Smith household at the corner at Madison and Ridgeway Avenues. Bring some canned goods. Hope to see you there.