West Ashley Briefs

Mental Health Month 5K Fun Run & Walk

The Charleston Area National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and its supporting partners will sponsor the fourth annual Mental Health Month 5K Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, May 17, at Hampton Park in downtown Charleston.

May is National Mental Health Month and this annual event is designed to bring the community together to increase mental health awareness and decrease the stigma that is often associated with these illnesses.

Event registration is $15 for participants who pre-register by May 9, and $20 the day of the event. Registration fee includes a T-shirt. Pre-registration forms are available at www.namicharlestonarea.org. Registration and T-shirt pickup begins at 8 a.m.; runners' start time is at 8:30; walkers' start time is 9:30.

This year's event will benefit local NAMI outreach programs of support, education and community awareness. For more information, contact Bryan Counts at MUSC Institute of Psychiatry at 843-792-6259.

Cinco de Mayo set for May 2

Charleston's third annual Cinco de Mayo Festival will be on Friday, May 2, at the Visitors Center Bus Terminal, downtown, from 7 to 11 p.m.

The celebration will feature Mariachi music, a live salsa band, DJ Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove, and professional salsa dance performances. Local Hispanic food, margaritas and Mexican beer will be available.

Tickets are $10, $5 with student ID, and kids 12 and younger get in free. Food and alcohol will be served separately. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Trident Literacy Association.