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The Huntington Area Recreational Trails Association (HARTA) recently had its sixth annual Beer and Wine festival at the Huntington County 4H Fairgrounds to support their upcoming trail expansion project.
Attendees could sample from Indiana wineries, breweries, ciders, and for the second year, distilleries.
There was the option of two tickets: the sampling ticket or the designated driver ticket.
The sampling ticket included a souvenir tasting glass and program, sample selections at each winery, distillery, and brewery table. The designated driver ticker included non-alcoholic beverages.
After sampling, people could buy the product or move to the next table. There was also a raffle with various prizes including a cooler, gift baskets, a distillery bucket, a laser etched Colts’ football, tickets to various events, and more.
Outside there was a seating area with live music by Garry Jones and Joe Justice and food trucks including White Fish Fort Wayne and Smoke Haus.
All the money raised from the festival will be used for trails around Huntington, to help with amenities, maps, benches, construction, and signage.
HARTA is currently raising money for a trail expansion project. Through this project they will be able to connect nearly eight miles of the existing trails.
“The connection will make trails more accessible for everyday use,” said Kelly Frank, HARTA board secretary.
Parkview Huntington Hospital campus and Huntington University will be connected to existing trails in downtown Huntington allowing for students, children, and adults to travel safely through Huntington.
The YMCA and the middle school will also be connected through the trails that will allow bikes, walking, and scooters- anything
but motorized vehicles
“This piece of trail will make connections throughout our community, giving kids, adults and families a way to travel safety throughout the Huntington area,” said Eric Bruce, president of HARTA. “For me, it’s about the safety.”
Their goal is to raise $50,000 by July 30 in which case HARTA will receive a matching grant as part of Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) creating program.
The portion of the trail expansion funded by this grant will move through the wetlands on Huntington University’s property.
A 150-foot long, 10-foot-wide boardwalk will preserve the wetland vegetation and wildlife while providing an accessible path for people to travel.
“We really want people to be aware of these trails and where they are, so that they can use them,” Bruce said.
To learn more or donate to the trail expansion project visit patronicity.com/huntingtontrails where you can choose which donation level works for you.
If their $50,000 goal is exceeded, additional funds will be used for additional amenities and sidewalks to continue connecting the community.
