Well, folks, it’s that time of year again. The Grizzlies’ sixth annual Grizzlies Red Dress Rampage is right around the corner.
The event was originally conceived as a way to have a fun day while also raising money for the Grizzlies’ travel fund and local nonprofits, such as the Belcourt Theatre and Friends of Shelby Park. For the first three years, the event was held in the Belmont/12 South area, but then it jumped across the river to the 5 Points neighborhood of East Nashville, where it has taken place ever since.
When asked why the Grizzlies chose a Red Dress event instead of a more traditional fundraiser, Mark Pilkington responded, “While there had been popular red dress runs across the country and a famous one in New Orleans, we thought this was an event that Nashvillians would love. The concept hasn’t changed much, if any, six years later. There have been an infiltration of numerous different runs over the years, but the Red Dress Rampage is still an event truly like no other in Nashville.”
The concept is simple: you dress up in a red outfit (dresses are preferred) and then run/walk to five different bars, enjoying a Yazoo beer at each location. The Grizzlies are still laying out the route for this year’s run, but Mark was excited to announce, “This year we are excited to add additional sponsors and bars to the mix. The Crying Wolf is one of our newest bars, in addition to Beyond the Edge, Lipstick Lounge, Drifters and Edgefield Sports Bar.”
This year the proceeds will be going to support the Nashville Grizzlies RFC so they can continue to curtail travel and other costs for the players. Mark explained, “As a traveling team, we want everyone to be able to participate in the sport and not be constricted by any financial difficulties.”
Participation in the event costs $35, but for that fabulous price you get six Yazoo beers and an awesome commemorative koozie. So come out on Saturday, October 18th to Beyond the Edge at 11 a.m. to support your Nashville Grizzlies and have a Rampaging good time!
For more information about this and other Grizzlies activities, visit their website: http://www.grizzliesrugby.org/