The Middletown Area Historical Society of Dauphin County will present the inaugural Frosty 5, which will include a 5K run and walk, on Saturday, Dec. 4. The walk/run will start and end at Hoffer Park, 325 Mill St., Middletown. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and the 5K will start at 9:30 a.m.

According to historical society member Mike Dalton, event coordinator, a similar walk and run used to be held locally in December, but it was discontinued.

"The event did exist years ago. It was called Rudolph's Romp, and it raised funds for the Middletown Public Library," he explained. "We were looking at what we could do as a fundraiser that was something different. So we thought, 'Let's bring that back.'"

Proceeds will benefit the Middletown Area Historical Society, whose mission is "to collect, preserve and teach" about the history of Middletown, Dauphin County and the surrounding area. In addition to the Middletown Historical Society Museum, located at 29 E. Main St., Middletown, the organization owns and manages the historic Swatara Ferry House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the Band Hall located next to the Ferry House.

Dalton said the first-time event is not only a fundraiser, but a way to showcase the town and perhaps attract new people to join the historical society.

"The purpose of the event is two-fold," said Dalton. "Because of who we are, it's our duty to bring people to town and show off the history of the town and its beautiful historical architecture. We have six buildings on the National Register of Historic Places," he said. "Secondly, historical societies are not typically looked at by the younger generation. Something like this - a 5K - can bring in some of those young people and possibly get them involved."

The race course will take participants through the east side of Middletown Borough. Residents who live in homes along the course are encouraged to cheer on the runners.

There will be a water station on the course, and post-race snacks and beverages will be available. Participants will be able to warm up in the park pavilion, where there will be several fire pits.

More than 50 local residents have registered to participate, but Dalton has a goal of at least 100 runners and walkers. "We do a huge craft fair in June, which will be 47 years old next year," he said. "This is something new, different and fresh and something we have not done before.'"

The 5K is being officially timed by Falcon Race Timing. The deadline for online registration is Wednesday, Dec. 1. Same-day registrations will also be accepted. Cash payments are preferred on race day.

To register, visit http://www.falconracetiming.com/event/the-frosty-5-5k-run-walk-middletown-pa. A link to register is also available at http://www.middletownareahistoricalsociety.org. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in three categories: male, female and youth under age 15.

For more information, visit the previously mentioned websites or email mahs17057@gmail.com. More information is also available by searching for "Middletown Area Historical Society of Dauphin County, PA" on Facebook.