RESERVE — More than a dozen years ago, the Rev. Donald August was trying to come up with a way for his congregation to get out of the house, so to speak.

Everybody knew everybody in Rising Star Baptist Church in LaPlace. They just didn’t know much of each other outside of the church.

“I wanted to find a way for people to get to know each other in other ways,” August said.

He also wanted his congregation to get moving and get healthy.

Then, August came up with Down by the Riverside Walk-a-Thon, which blends fellowship, a little food, a little fun and health benefits.

The annual event will be held April 22, beginning at 8 am. at Our Lady of Grace Church, located at 772 Louisiana 44 in Reserve and end at Rising Star Baptist Church, located at 620 Cardinal St. in LaPlace.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace. The cost is $5 per person. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in various age groups, and everyone who finishes receives a medal.

August said the course is about three and a half miles, but it will cover much more.

At the end of the walk, stations will be set up where participants can have their blood pressure and heart rates checked, in addition to checks for diabetes.

August is a firm believer in a healthy lifestyle and encourages his congregants to make healthy choices.

Over the years various doctors and health care professionals have been on hand at the end of the walk to discuss heart health, men’s health, women’s health and other topics.

“We’ve had the Red Cross come, urologists have come to talk about men’s health, cardiologists have given talks on heart health,” he said. “There is a healthy aspect to it.”

It’s still supposed to be fun, August said.

There also will be music and food, including a cake walk.

“They get to take that home,” August said of the extra calories.

“The public is invited to attend,” he added. “We welcome anyone and everyone to come out and join us in fun and fellowship.”

Anyone interested in participating may call 985-359-9062, 504-931-2419 or 504-458-2564 for more information.