Which sounds catchier — “Let’s start a conversation about sexual violence” or “Watch these men wear women’s shoes to parade down Main Street?”
For the fourth year, the YWCA Bradford is bringing the two together.
On Wednesday, the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event will take place. Events begin near Veterans Square at about 5:30 p.m.
“We’re hoping to have over 250 people attend,” explained Angela Erway, development and marketing director with the YWCA. “Last year we had 125 walkers register, but that doesn’t include the spectators or the people who did not register but still walked.”
Entry is open to teams or individuals, Erway said. “The purpose of the teams is to raise awareness, create team spirit and start the conversation about the reality of sexual violence, and encourage people to get involved.”
The aim of the international men’s is to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. The event takes a light-hearted approach to the serious issue of sexualized violence, and is aimed to raise awareness and start conversations.
This year, the YWCA has added some community involvement aspects to the annual event. A role model contest is underway until noon on Wednesday.
“It is the community’s opportunity to vote for their ‘favorite’ role model with their loose change or monetary donation,” Erway said.
Jars have been placed in businesses around Bradford and “decorated with the faces of those who were selected to pose for this year’s Walk A Mile poster.”
Those are Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco, Fire Chief Eric Taylor, businessman Todd Hennard, Shawn Galbraith, Matthew Galbraith, Bradford High football player John Eakin, Marty DiFonzo and Dave Shields.
“We thought it would be a fun way to generate additional funds for the YWCA and its programs, and the winner will receive a trophy and earn bragging rights as the first YWCA role model,” Erway said. The jars will be collected at noon on Wednesday, “but will be on display at Veterans Square before the walk. So far, we have seen an exciting and competitive response from this newly created contest, and over $300 has been collected to date.”
Businesses have been invited to decorate for the event as well. “There is no specific theme and we encourage creativity,” Erway said, “however, the event uses the red heel logo and the idea of men walking in heels. Only a few businesses have notified us to ensure their participation, but we still hope more will join in.”
A small trophy and gift basket will be given to the winning business. Participants are still being accepted.
The events begin with the closing off of Main Street from Pine to Mechanic streets at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Studio B Dance Academy performing at 5:35 and 5:45 p.m.
At 5:45 p.m., Main Street will close to Kennedy Street to allow for the event.
At 6 p.m., a welcome will be given at Veterans Square, followed by a proclamation from Mayor Tom Riel at 6:05 p.m. At 6:10 p.m., McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg Shaffer will speak. The walk will begin at 6:15 p.m., when the Bradford City fire truck signals the beginning of the walk.
The fire truck will be followed by the Zippo Jeep and the Studio B dancers, as well as the walkers.
Trophy presentations will be held at 6:30 p.m., and the role model contest winner will be announced at 6:40 p.m.
