As the final days of ECOSLO’s 1st Hike-A-Thon draw near, organizers want to remind the public that they can still sign up for the Hike-a-Thon or join in the After Party celebration on Saturday, June 29. During the month of June, over 50 hikers hit the trails to raise awareness of and funds for the ECOSLO Trails Programs. The culminating event will be the After Party, at El Chorro Regional Park from 3 to 7 p.m., where Hike-a-Thon results will be announced and hikers will be recognized. The celebration will include dinner, beverages, dessert, live music, dance and a sunset hike. Tickets are $15 for adults; children 12 and under $5. You can purchase tickets online here, pick them up at the ECOSLO office at 75 Higuera St. Suite 100 in San Luis Obispo or call (805) 544-1777.
For those interested in registering for the Hike-a-Thon and able to complete hikes by June 28, register online or at the ECOSLO office. The registration fee is $10 per individual or $25 for a family, team or business and includes free entry to the After Party.
The After Party will kick off at 3 p.m. at the Poppy recreational area of El Chorro Regional Park. A kid friendly event, Poppy is set close to the children’s playground. Hikers, their family and friends, ECOSLO members, and supporters will be entertained with live music by The Red Willows while they meet, greet and share hiking stories. Drawings items donated by local businesses will be on display and tickets can be purchased.
At 4 p.m. an early evening dinner featuring main dishes by Jimmy Bumps Pasta House and SLO Veg, and a beverage will be served. Recognition of hikers and awards and prize presentations for Most Miles Hiked, Best Nature Photo, Most Pledges Collected, Weekend Warrior, Most Enthusiastic, just to name a few will take place. Giveaways and drawing winners will be announced.
The celebration finale will include dessert by Olde Port Inn, dancing to music by Proxima Parada and a sunset hike led by a docent from the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens.
The ECOSLO Hike-A-Thon is intended to raise awareness about the many trails available throughout the city and county of San Luis Obispo for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Funds raised will support ECOSLO’s Trail Programs, which includes trail restoration, cleanup efforts, docent training, conservation and outdoor ethics advocacy. These programs have proven to provide valuable community services to the City and County of San Luis Obispo, especially during times of budget cuts when such programs could have been eliminated. In addition to Trail Work Days, ECOSLO coordinates an annual Coastal Cleanup Day, and a new program, Tsunami Debris Cleanup.
It’s easy to see why the ECOSLO Hike-A-Thon will become one of San Luis Obispo’s premier events. ECOSLO will continue to grow the Hike-A-Thon and encourages the community to come out and celebrate the trails on June 29. Happy Trails!
For more information, to volunteer or to support the Hike-A-Thon contact Victoria Carranza at [email protected], call (805) 544-1777 or visit the ECOSLO website here.