Unity Bank is donating its hot air balloon for tethered rides, which will be the highlight of the morning at the 12th Annual Musconetcong Watershed Association Run for the River on Sunday May 6. The tethered rides are available for those who arrive early. Also included in the day of family activities are a Lollipop race for 3 and 4 year olds at 11 a.m. and kayaking behind the River Resource Center. Parking for the 4 mile run/walk will be available at the Asbury Fire Company at 410 Old Main Street.

The mostly flat course features a scenic loop of historic Asbury along streams, pastures and the beautiful Musconetcong River. The rain or shine event starts at 9:45 a.m. for walkers and 10 a.m. for runners. The Unity Bank balloon will be onsite for tethered rides from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.  “We are looking forward to participating in a fun event that supports a great cause,” said Unity Bank President James A. Hughes. “Unity Bank opened its newest branch in Washington just last month and part of our commitment to the community is participating in and supporting these important local programs so we are looking forward to a long term community partnership.”

The Run for the River is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Musconetcong Watershed Association, supporting the organization’s work to protect the river and its watershed through education and outreach programs to local schools, landowners and municipal officials. Residents of the Musconetcong River valley formed the non-profit organization in 1991. “The run/walk is a great day out for families and our most popular event of the year,” said Beth Styler Barry, executive director of the association. “We greatly appreciate the support of Unity Bank, as well as all of our sponsors, and are very excited about having the Unity Bank balloon participate as it is sure to add to an already festive atmosphere. We have had participants as young as six months and as old as 74, so this truly a family affair.”

Free bagels, bottled water and prizes are available for participants. Registration starts at $22 per person, which includes an event T-shirt. Family discounts are available. Participants can obtain registration information at www.musconetcong.org or by calling (908) 537-7060. On-site registration will be available at the event starting at 8:30 a.m.