The fourth-annual “Eddie’s Run” will be held Aug. 20, from 11 a.m. until around 6 p.m., on the Fayette County Fairgrounds and organizers say they are preparing for another big year.

Eddie Hartshorn, a 22-year-old Special Olympic athlete, has worked hard for Fayette Progressive Industries. Between him, his father and various volunteers, they have raised thousands of dollars the last three years to help Fayette Progressive Industries, a non-profit organization seeking to raise the standard of living for handicapped residents.

Back in 2013, Ed Hartshorn, Eddie Hartshorn’s father and founder of Eddie’s Run, was struggling with a way he could help Fayette County. He had talent and skills after working in various fields and wanted to put these skills and efforts into something he thought would be beneficial for the county.

“I would like to invite the public back out again to Eddie’s Run,” Ed said during a recent video advertisement for the event. “There you will see live, great bands, you’ll see The Dragin’ Angels classic cars and a lot of other classic cars and specialty cars. We have the VFW Riders that will lead you on a nice long motorcycle ride, and Felix Fields will be playing Motown there. The Cameron Chase Band will be performing and the Thirty OT 6 band will also be there. We have Super Heroes for Kids, Heroes Alliance and the 501st Legion of the Dark Empire. There is a lot to do and admission is free. All the money goes to help kids and adults who are special needs or disabled with going to the Special Olympics, with job training and placement, uniforms and even transportation services. So come on out and join us.”

The first Eddie’s Run was held with a car and bike show. The event was successful in raising over $4,000 that year and all of the proceeds went to support Fayette Progressive Industries and the Special Olympics programs in Fayette County. Unfortunately, due to less planning time, the second year of the event was not nearly as successful, but the Hartshorns did not give up.

Thanks to Ed’s efforts, the third year of the event saw the most success as the group had thousands of residents turn out. Between a handful of bands, plenty of attractions for the family to see and a bike ride that benefited Fayette Progressive, a total of $5,828.67 was raised. Eddie and his dad then went to Fayette Progressive and donated a check to be used on a variety of programs and items for the Special Olympics later in 2015.

For more information or to volunteer, visit Eddie’s Run on Facebook, and find contact information on eddiesrun.org or by contacting Ed at (614) 403-2203.