Fleis Nightfall Frolic 5K Run/Walk

The Onalaska Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting the annual “Fleis Frolic” at Rowe Park in Onalaska. This event includes a 5K run/walk, a youth race (1k) and fun activities. Post race snacks will be available. The event kicks off on Friday, April 26th with day-of registration beginning at 5:00pm. The youth race will start at 6:00pm and the 5K run/walk will begin at 6:30pm. Whether you’re a college student or a family of 5, all those interested in this event are encouraged to register!

The Fleis Nightfall Frolic is used to spread health awareness by encouraging the community to go out and start exercising to benefit a healthier lifestyle. The proceeds from the event will go to the John Fleis Youth Scholarship fund. This fund is used to financially assist families in the Onalaska area so they are able to engage in the Parks and Recreation programs.

The scholarship is in memory of John Fleis. John Fleis was a University of Wisconsin – La Crosse alum whose passion and love for coaching and sports led him to start the Onalaska Parks and Recreation Program in the early 1960s. The first programs offered there had sports that included baseball, tennis, basketball and golf. After John ran programs for several years, the city of Onalaska took over the program and expanded its reach in the community. John Fleis passed away in 2009 and his family established the Youth Scholarship fund for the Onalaska Parks and Rec in his name.