The Southwind Rail Trail will celebrate its first anniversary on Saturday. The anniversary coincides with National Trail Day, a day that encourages people to get outside and be active on nearby trails.
The festivities begin at 10 a.m. Saturday when participants will gather at both ends of the trail in Iola and Humboldt. The trail begins at Riverside Park in Iola and to the east of B&W Trailer Hitches in Humboldt.
From there participants can journey to the Rotary shelter about midway along the 6.5 mile path, where food and drinks will be served.
Regina Woodworth, trail secretary, said those who attend will be given a trail trivia sheet. The sheet includes things to look for while on the trail. The answers will be announced at the middle and prizes will be given. Southwind Trail T-shirts will be on sale for $10.
The outdoor trail has been a large success in the community over the past year and trail volunteers hope to see many people using the trail this weekend.
“We encourage people to come out and either ride or walk on the trail with us,” Woodworth said.
For some, using the trail has opened a new way to enjoy exercise.
Iolan Mary Ann Arnott has walked on the trail many times with her husband, Jim. And while walking the trail has always been an enjoyable activity, this year for Mother’s Day Jim bought her a bicycle.
“I had never used hand gears on a bike before but it’s just delightful,” Arnott said. “It’s very peaceful and relaxing on the trail and much safer than riding on the roads.”
Barb Geffert and her husband Mike live close to the trail and use it frequently.
“I think it’s a benefit,” Geffert said. “We ride our bikes on the trail and have ridden to Humboldt and back.”
Woodworth said many people don’t realize the trail is maintained by volunteers. Dave Fontaine, trail manager, and Pat Haire, trail president, volunteer to keep tree limbs cut back and debris off the trail.
“Our volunteers do all this work with in-kind donations,” Woodworth said. “We could always use more volunteers to help.”
Those interested in volunteering can contact Woodworth at 620-228-4013.
