August 1999: News and Updates

The Grand Trunk Trail has been open for use for a little over a year now so it's time for the GTT committee to announce a ceremony to celebrate the Official Opening of the Trail. We have chosen Sunday, October 3^rd, 1999, Ontario Hiking Day at 1:30 pm.

The Opening Ceremonies will be held in co-operation with Heart/Health Perth, an umbrella organization whose goal is to help us get more out of life by reducing our exposure to the three major health risks. Heart/Health Perth advocates Smoke-free living, Healthy eating and Physical activity.

Heart/Health Perth will sponsor the refreshments for the Opening Ceremonies-fruits, vegetables and juices, and provide "goodie bags".

The details of the ceremony are still in preparation but, rain or shine, we will mark the Official Opening of the Grand Trunk Trail. Details will be available in future updates. Mark October 3^rd on your calendars and be part of the celebration.

A stone cairn has been designed to acknowledge the contributions of the many who have made possible the creation of the Grand Trunk Trail. We have every hope that it will be ready for unveiling at the Opening Ceremonies.

Fundraising quilt draw
The GTT committee is delighted to have, as a fundraiser, a one-of-a-kind quilt made for us by the Stonetowne Quilters Guild. Despite many obligations to other organizations, the Guild has produced for the GTT a quilt designed to reflect the nature aspect of the Trail. Cardinals, chickadees and evergreens grace this work of art. You can see it on display in the window of Yarns Etc. where tickets ($2) are also available. The draw for this Queen-sized quilt will take place on April 29^th, 2000. All proceeds will go to the continuing work on the Grand Trunk Trail.

Opening night gala

Just after the October 3^rd Opening Ceremonies, the GTT will be sponsoring the Opening Night of St. Marys Community Players fall production of the comedy, Beyond a Joke. The opening night Gala will treat theatre goers to a special evening of entertainment and refreshments with a VIP flair. This co-operative effort will benefit both community groups which have shown a sustained commitment to St. Marys. Your support of this fundraiser on Wednesday, October 27^th 1999 will create a win-win-win for Community Players, the Grand Trunk Trail and YOU!

September is always a busy month so we've kept our activities low-key (this is no reflection on our volunteer Troll who periodically materializes on the Sarnia Bridge to accept donations.). Save those dates in October to celebrate the GTTrail and its continued development.

Take A Hike!
Trail enthusiasts can now take to the trails with the newly released “Take a Hike”- a comprehensive, pocket-sized booklet of existing walking, cycling and skiing trails in Perth County.
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