On Saturday, June 1, the Paint Creek Trailways Commission will celebrate its 21st Annual National Trails Day with free family-friendly events in downtown Lake Orion.
National Trails Day
According to the American Hiking Society, “National Trails Day is the only nationally coordinated event designed to unite all muscle-powered trail activities with the goal of connecting more people to trails. Every trail beckons adventure and has a story to share with any person willing to discover it, and the American Hiking Society believes these trail experiences can improve the lives of every American.”
The theme of this year’s Paint Creek Trail National Trails Day event is bicycle safety. Attendees will receive a bike bell (while supplies last) as well as participate in a bike safety demonstration by the Lake Orion Police Department. Cyclists are encouraged to bring their bicycles with them to the event and can take part in a nondenominational blessing of the bikes followed by a family friendly bike ride on the Trail.
“We’re very excited to host our National Trails Day event in Lake Orion again this year,” said Trail Manager Melissa Ford. “This year we are partnering with the Lake Orion Police Department and the Lake Orion United Methodist Church who will be holding their annual Clergy, Cops & Kids event at the same time in downtown Lake Orion. All National Trails Day event attendees will be able to experience twice the fun at no additional charge.”
This free event starts at 1:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Events for both National Trails Day and Clergy, Cops & Kids will be held in the lower municipal lot in downtown Lake Orion at Anderson and Front Streets.
Highlights Include
- Bike safety demonstration by the Lake Orion Police Department.
- A nondenominational Blessing of the Bikes by Rev. John Ball, Lake Orion United Methodist Church.
- Family friendly bike ride on the trail from Children’s Park in Lake Orion to Clarkston/Kern intersection.
- A visit from the Orion Township Public Library Bookbike.
- Kids coloring activity.
- Free Paint Creek Trail swag and a prize wheel giveaway of Paint Creek Trail merchandise.
- A Grand Prize drawing.
Schedule of Events
1:00 p.m. Welcome by Paint Creek Trail Manager & Friends of the Paint Creek Trail
1:10 p.m. Lake Orion Police Bike Safety Demonstration
1:30 p.m. Blessing of the Bikes
1:45 p.m. Family bike ride on the Trail
3:00 p.m. Kids coloring activity
3:45 p.m. Grand Prize drawing
About the Paint Creek Trail
The Paint Creek Trail was the first non-motorized rail-to-trail in the State of Michigan, and traverses through the communities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion. The Trail annually serves approximately 100,000 pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, anglers, nature enthusiasts, and users of all ages and abilities. For more information call 248-651-9260.
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