OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano said the City of Dunkirk Police Department will assist along the route of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in the city on June 7.

The Dunkirk Common Council recently approved four upcoming events to be held in the city.

On Wednesday, June 7, Special Olympics New York will carry the Flame of Hope throughout the city as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, beginning around 9 a.m. at Dunkirk High School, down Sixth Street to Central Avenue, then finishing at SUNY Fredonia. Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement officers will be involved in the event, including the New York State Police, Lakeview Correctional Facility, Collins Correctional Facility, and Chautauqua County Sheriffs, among others.

Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano said the City of Dunkirk Police Department will assist along the route. Last year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run raised $2.4 million statewide.

Saturday, July 1, the Dunkirk High School Class of 1989 will host the ninth annual Marauder Trotter 5K Run/Walk along the Lake Erie waterfront. The run will commence and conclude at Wright Park, spanning Lake Front Boulevard, the City of Dunkirk Pier, and Memorial Park along the course. Registration will be held from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m., with the race beginning at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $25 prior to June 22, and $30 after June 22. The top male and female finishers will receive $100. The proceeds from the event benefit the Class of 1989 Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a Dunkirk High School senior.

Saturday, Aug. 5, the second annual Family Fun Day sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY will be held from noon until 4 p.m. at Washington Park. The event – which will be free of charge – will feature a bounce house and water slide, live music, and food and drinks. Vendors and community partners are also encouraged to participate.

Sunday, Aug. 13, the annual summer picnic for the NCCYHA Steelers hockey program will be held at the Brooks Pavilion at Point Gratiot Park. The event will feature a bounce house and a dunk tank.

All four upcoming events were approved unanimously by the council members in attendance, with Second Ward Councilman Marty Bamonto absent from the meeting.