Rails-to-Trails cancels annual auction
Holmes County Rails-to-Trails was forced to cancel its annual auction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will now turn to the public for financial support.
For a number of years, the Holmes County Rails-to-Trails has provided safe passage, recreation and exercise to both the people of Holmes County and those who come to Amish Country to visit.
Since its inception the Holmes County Rails-to-Trails Coalition members have relied heavily on the annual trail auction to help generate the funds necessary to operate and maintain the trail to the level that it continues to be as one of the county’s biggest drawing cards.
Those generated funds are now unavailable with the announced cancellation of the annual auction that was set to take place in June.
“Unfortunately we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Holmes County Rails-to-Trails benefit auction,” said Jen Halverson, director of Holmes County Park District. “After careful thought and consideration with the current health and economic environment, the Holmes County Rails-to-Trails Coalition has decided to cancel our annual benefit auction. We are so grateful to all of our volunteers, donors, bidders and supporters and realize now is the time to focus on our health, our families, our community and our businesses.”
While the event has been canceled for this year, Halverson said the raffle will go on, meaning those who purchased tickets can still have a chance to win something.
For those who have purchased raffle tickets, the drawing will be held Friday, June 12 at 9 a.m. at the Hipp Station Depot in Millersburg. Winners will be notified via mail.
Meanwhile, the Holmes County Trail continues to be a source of relaxation and exercise and even has provided a solitary place for people to take a breath and maintain their sanity during these social distancing times.
“We have been honored to see so many of you truly enjoying the trail during these uncertain times,” Halverson said. “We are grateful to continue to have the opportunity to provide the Holmes County Trail for your recreation, fitness and transportation.”
Halverson said as conditions improve within the community and when the stay-at-home game plan is finally relaxed, the hope of the Rails-to-Trails Coalition is to host the Road Apple 5k later this fall on the Holmes County Trail.
Because the auction was such a critical part of the coalition’s ability to operate and maintain the trail, Halverson said they are turning to the public for help to support their efforts.
“Our annual auction provided a majority of the support for trail maintenance, so if anyone is able to send a donation, it would be greatly appreciated,” Halverson said. “Until then, stay safe and healthy and we look forward to seeing you on the trail.”
Donations may be sent to the Holmes County Rails-to-Trails Coalition, 1 Trail Drive, Suite B, Millersburg, OH 44654.