Holmes County’s hidden treasure throws a party

  • By Mark Weaver
  • May 16, 2011
  • 278
                        
Out of sight, out of mind, so they say. For some people, that’s the case with the Holmes County Trail. The Trail is a classic hidden treasure, tucked away into the county’s woods and hills. It may also be the flattest thing in a county known for rolling hills. But for all the horseback riders, buggy drivers, bicyclists and hikers who use it every week, it’s a special place. For Jen Halverson of the Rails to Trails Coalition, this is a blessing, and a responsibility. “As a community, and as the Park District, we’re very proud of what we have, and we want it to be one of those hidden gems for the entire state or the entire country when it comes to Rails to Trails.” The Coalition operates and maintains the Trail, an old railroad bed converted into a transportation and recreation corridor. According to many first time users, they do a wonderful job. Wayne Miller, who manages the maintenance of the Trail said, “I get some bikers who stop when I’m out doing trail maintenance. They say, ‘I’ve been riding trails for 10 years, and this is the nicest trail we’ve seen.’ I hear that a lot.” Of course, an attraction of this size takes money to operate. The Coalition and its supporters have developed a festive way of raising funds for the Trail. It’s a benefit auction, but that’s only the beginning. Headed by Wayne and Ellen Miller, the auction committee has created a two day event that has become a favorite way for families to spend an evening or a day together. It starts on Friday night, with open volleyball and cornhole tournaments at the Fairgrounds. For a more relaxing evening, the Thumbs McGee Band will be playing at Hipp’s Depot, the site of the auction. This acoustic classic rock trio has an amazing repertoire, with something for everyone’s musical taste. The Friday night music is free and open to anyone, and food will be available as well. Friday night is also a more relaxed time to review the auction items that will be sold on Saturday. “It’s a nice way to come out and look at things without all the crowds and the excitement that is involved on Saturday,” said Halverson. Locally made wood furniture, quilts, and commemorative crafts with the Trail logo will be on display, along with a grandfather clock made by a local craftsman especially for the auction. Most of the auction items can be seen up close and personal, with plenty of time for buyers to choose what they want to bid on. Saturday is the big day, and it starts early. Breakfast starts at 7:00, with the Road Apple 5-K race and the Fitness Walk kicking off shortly after. The main event, the auction of donated items, begins at 9 a.m. in the big tent, and a second auctioneer will also be selling most of the day. There’s an open buggy, a Play Mor swing set, Kubota and Hustler mowers, and lawn furniture, all to be sold to the highest bidder. In addition, a silent auction runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a Chinese auction will be held as well, where prospective buyers purchase tickets to use in bidding to win their items of choice. The lunch menu includes BBQ chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, and pie and ice cream. The bake sale will feature locally made fry pies, breads, pies, and other mouthwatering pastries. Of course, nobody wants to miss the pony raffle. The drawing for the 3 year old black and white pony will be at 1:00. Pictures of the pony are available on their brochure, or on the website. “We’re part of the bigger picture, the Ohio-Erie Trail,” explained Halverson. “The goal is, you can start your bike ride with your back tire in Lake Erie, and you can finish your bike ride with your front tire in the Ohio River. We’re halfway done with the Holmes County portion.” The finished portion runs from Fredericksburg to Killbuck. First time users may be surprised to see horses on a bike trail. The Holmes County Trail was the first in the state with a dual surface, allowing horses and bikes on the same trail. This also makes it very practical, as a safer route for horse and buggy traffic. Halverson talked about maintaining this treasure for both locals and visitors. “This auction helps us do that,” she said. “It’s a way for anyone that uses it to come and give back a little bit and to help support us.” More information on the Benefit Auction, the Road Apple 5-K and the volleyball tournament is available at holmestrail.org. For registration forms, call 330-674-0475, write Holmes Co. Park District, 1 Trail Dr., Millersburg, or email hcparks@embarqmail.com. Donations and volunteers are still needed.


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