By Dave Casselman

Trail Fest 2001 promotes healthy lifestyles by encourageing Islanders to take advantage of the beautiful walking trails across the Island.

ÒWeÕre going to try to get as many people out on the trail as possible during trail fest week,Ó said event co-ordinator Andrew Connolly.

ÒOur theme is Ôwalk for wellnessÕ this year, to encourage Island workers, and Islanders as a whole, to get out and walk for wellness. Also, weÕre looking to create awareness of the Island trails to both Islanders and visitors,Ó he said, calling the eventÒa celebrationÓ of the trails.

Connolly isnÕt working alone to promote the event. The veteran affairs department had 350 people take part in walks for the last three or four years.

This year, associate deputy minister Vernon Bruce issued a challenge to other government departments and major organizations to get on the trails during trail fest week.

ÒWe have participation of all the schools across the Island as well. This year one of our new initiatives was developing trail fest educational packages to educate kids on the history of the Island trails, the railroads that were there beforehand, the nature surrounding the trail, and the health benefits of using the trail as well.Ó

Connolly said particpation among elementary schools is important. A package went to approximately 500 teachers from grades one to six across the Island.

This is the fourth year for Trail Fest, and Connolly hopes the event will surpass previous accomplishments.

ÒWe had around 6,000 last year and we expect to go over that total, so hopefully weÕll have between 6,000 and 7,000,Ó he said.

Trail Fest takes place across the Island. The opening event was in Summerside Sept. 24 and the closing event is in Charlottetown Sept. 30.

ÒIn between that time there are over 25 communities doing there own local events promoting the trails in their communities,Ó Connolly said.

To find out about the events happening in a specific community visit the website at www.edu.pe.ca/activeliving, or call Andrew Connolly at 566-7091.

No registration is required and Connolly encourages everyone to participate.

ÒAt most events they have Subway sandwiches and beverages and you basically just show up with you walking shoes and go walking with the group.Ó