Sell out event launches 10^th year of Shuswap Trails 

The Shuswap, British Columbia – Its official – the annual Shuswap Trails Party and Fundraiser is sold out again, launching the annual regional greenway trail initiative forward into its 10^th year. “The support just remains consistent,” says Shuswap Trail Alliance chair, Winston Pain. “People throughout the Shuswap want to see community partners continuing to work together, improving walking and cycling in our communities, and growing the regions recreational trail system.” 

The annual sell-out Shuswap Trails Party and Fundraiser brings together 450 local business and community leaders throughout the region to share, celebrate and raise funds that secures the foundational funding for the year. This year the band, Scarecrow, is back alongside EZ Rock’s, Patrick Ryley, to once again set the musical atmosphere and get folks dancing. Blue Canoe Bakery and Café has jumped in with local culinary edibles, alongside the Salmon Arm Firefighters tending bar and featuring local microbrews from the Barley Station and wines from Larch Hills Winery. 

“It’s a local feast and celebration,” says Winston, “featuring some of our region’s premier businesses with a little something for everyone.” This year’s top tier auction sponsors feature a 24 person Genesis 66 Houseboat vacation from Waterways worth over $6000, a 15 person CruiseCraft 2 Houseboat vacation from Twin Anchors, a Kona WO Fat Tire “Snow” Bike from Skookum Cycle and Ski worth $1800, a Specialized P1 Series Dirt Bicycle from Ridetech valued at $800, a Felt Nine 70 Hardtail Mountain Bike from Trailheads Cycle and Ski worth $780, a 2 day B&B backcountry Cat Ski package from Mustang Powder, and a second backcountry Cat Ski package with K3 – featuring the East Shuswap’s remarkable Alpine highlands and Champaign powder. 

“There’s a real sense of all being in this together,” acknowledges Winston, “Featuring these local businesses who help to get us outdoors and active complements the work of all the partners the Trail Alliance is able to support.” And if the sell-out event is any indication, there’s another busy year of Shuswap Trails ahead. 

The Shuswap Trails progress report for 2013 is telling, with over 50 projects completed this year by more than 40 trail partners throughout the region including 14 new trails (Flying Nun, Gayle Creek, Hillcrest Greenway, Hobby Horse, Mt Baldy, MV Beattie Greenway, Novice Trail, Owls Prowl, PPT2, Raspberry Hill, Rubberhead Crosscountry Connector, Turner Creek OK College Connector, Veggie Delight, Wild Rose Bay), over 160,000 meters of trail maintenance, 32 volunteer trail events, 280 signs, 15 interpretive programs, 13 regional displays, 3 conservation projects, a sixth printing of the Shuswap Trail Guide, maintenance of the Shuswap Trails website and the online trail report program. (Get the full report at this year’s upcoming Shuswap Trail Alliance AGM and Slide Presentation – March 5^th, 7 pm, at Okanagan College, Salmon Arm.) 

“What we’re able to do each year by working together is inspiring,” acknowledges Shuswap Trail Alliance executive director, Phil McIntyre-Paul, who points to the critical role of municipal, regional, and provincial partners who have been instrumental. “Add to that the ongoing work of our long-standing trail stewardship clubs like the Larch Hills Nordic Society, EQ Trails, Skmana Ski Club , Shuswap Outdoors, SABNES, the Pileateers, and the Salmon Arm Greenway volunteers – well, it’s clear – the Shuswap is serious now about getting people active and outside.” 

To find out more about Shuswap Trails throughout the region and links to partner trail stewardship organizations visit www.shuswaptrails.com. 

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Photo Caption: Volunteer trail events are an integral part of the annual Shuswap Trails program. 2013 saw 13 new student group events with over 160 young people involved.

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