It’s ‘happy trails? time this Saturday when downtown Lake Orion hosts National Trails Day in Children’s Park, along with the Paint Creek Trailways Commission.
According to Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Lois Golden, this is the second time that downtown Lake Orion has been part of the National Trails Day celebration, and the event features fun for the whole family.
The day kicks off with the Hanson’s Fun Run and Paint Creek Bicycles Enthusiast Ride at 8 a.m.
Run participants should meet at 7:45 a.m. at Hanson’s Running Shop, 3 South Broadway. Distances will be marked on the trail for runs ranging from three to six miles, and refreshments will be provided.
Bike ride participants should meet at 7:45 a.m. at Paint Creek Bicycles, 27 East Flint, for a mountain bike ride to Bald Mountain State Recreation Area. The ride is 20 miles and will last approximately an hour and a half. Mountain bikes and helmets are required for participation.
The enthusiast ride is not appropriate for children and non-cyclists, but have no fear, a Paint Creek Bicycles Family Bike Ride will take place at 10 a.m. Four different routes, ranging from three to 16 miles round-trip, will be marked on the trail. Once again, helmets are required.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oakland County Parks will be on hand in Children’s Park with a climbing tower and inflatable bouncer. Both are free, with the bouncer being sponsored by Senator Michael Bishop. Climbing tower participants must wears sneakers or closed-toe shoes, and kids must have socks on in order to enter the bouncer.
Hollywood Market is sponsoring Radio Disney AM910 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Children’s Park. Radio Disney will host their Rock ‘N Roll Bike Rally, and offer musical entertainment, games and prizes.
Modern Skate and Surf’s ‘Extreme Team 2008? will perform aerial tricks on skateboards and inline skates, and BMX freestyle teams will round out the action sports entertainment.
In addition to these events, strolling magician Josh Silverstein will amaze the crowd with his tricks and talent from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and attendees can make their own hiking stick with Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve and Oakland Township Parks & Recreation. There will also be raffles, giveaways and many vendors and organizations onsite with freebies, refreshments, information and merchandise for sale.
In addition to the events being held in Children’s Park, a ribbon cutting ceremony with take place at the newly paved trail segment of the Paint Creek Trail at Atwater Commons at 11 a.m., and several events are being held along the trail.
For a full listing of all the events, visit paintcreektail.org, or visit the DDA at downtownlakeorion.org.
National Trails Day is sponsored by Meijer and McLaren Health Care.