By Renee Torzala
The Happy Trails run/bike event is back by popular demand on May 19th. The response to last year’s event was so positive that the Fox Cities Greenways plans to expand it each year! “Everytime I tell people about it, their eyes just light up! People keep asking how they can get involved, and it just keeps growing,” said Gordy McDaniel, event organizer.
McDaniel attributes it to all of the excitement building around the Fox River in Appleton. Happy Trails was launched last year as an effort to promote riverfront trails, the water trail system and links to various destinations. About 150 people attended the first event, and McDaniel hopes to double that number this year!
This family-friendly run/bike ride begins MAy 19th at 7:30 a.m. at Telulah Park, Appleton. This year, there is a free kids run for children 12 and under, that will kick off the event. Following the kids run, participants can take part in a 5K run/walk along the riverfront Newberry Trail, or do a 10-mile bike ride from Telulah Park in the opposite direction on the CE trail to the Recyclist Co. and back. Last year, some families did both events.
McDaniel emphasized that this event is more than just a fundraiser for the Fox Cities Greenways. “This is really to help raise awareness of our trail system that is here for everyone to enjoy. A lot of people don’t realize that some of these trails even exist!” he said.
Festivities will continue at Telulah Park until about noon, and will include face painting, handcrafted soda by Stone Cellar Brewpub, craft station by Paper Discovery Center and prize drawings from Run Away Shoes, Recyclist Bicycle Company, Midwest Sports Events and Eagle Flats. New this year will be a bicycle powered smoothie maker and historic lock demonstrations.
Registration forms can be found at Fox Cities Greenways, or the day of the event from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Telulah Park. For more information, contact Gordy McDaniel at 920-788-9545
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