Eastern Trail Alliance Celebrates Its FIRST National Trail Day

The American Hiking Society's National Trails Day is a signature event that inspires over one million trail enthusiasts to discover, learn about and celebrate trails. This year the American Hiking Society dedicated their theme to Healthy Trails, Healthy People" . The Eastern Trail Alliance, the City of South Portland and Town of Old Orchard Beach joined in the nationwide event to celebrate the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day this past June 7, 2003. This was the FIRST National Trail Day celebrating the Eastern Trail.

Many children, adults, and families participated in both South Portland and Old Orchard Beach’s National Trail Day. Both National Trail Day events in these communities were spectacular! The combination of South Portland’s two ribbon-cutting ceremonies of the Pleasantdale section of South Portland’s Greenbelt Walkway, and unveiling of the kiosk, with Old Orchard Beach’s Children Cycling Safety and Trail Awareness made a day suited for all to enjoy. 

The South Portland ceremony was a celebration of key achievements in the links of the Greenbelt walkway. U.S. Representative Tom Allen spoke about  the importance of building more trails in our communities. Senator Susan Collins and Governor Baldacci could not attend, but sent spokespersons who praised South Portland's achievement. Sally Jacobs, representing the East Coast Greenway Alliance (ECGA) committee in Maine, presented a certificate recognizing the newest section of the Eastern Trail as part of the East Coast Greenway. Congressman Allen had spoken at the East Coast Greenway Inauguration in Washington, D.C., two days prior, joined there by "Chip" Jahnke, who rode his bicycle from New Brunswick along the ECG in Maine all the way to Washington.  Rep. Allen then returned to South Portland to present to MayorBaxter a new East Coast Greenway trail marker which had been signed by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta.  Karen Votava, the Executive Director of the ECGA was also on hand for the unveiling of these new markers along the new section of trail. Click here to see pictures from the celebration in South Portland

Old Orchard Beach had non-profit nutrition, safety groups, and Family Fitness Programs, sponsored by the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition (a Healthy Maine Partnership), and Cape-Able Bike Shop to speak to the public about proper bicycle equipment sizing and allow people to test ride this year’s bicycle models. Old Orchard Beach’s audience was privileged to have Sue Ellen Bordwell, one of the founding members of the East Coast Greenway Alliance and President Elect for the Maine Bicycle Coalition, and Stephanie Nowicki, winner of the Eastern Trail Alliance President Bush Letter Writing Contest (sponsored by Old Orchard Beach School District and Cape-Able Bike Shop), speak about the importance of trails in Maine. Click here to see pictures from the celebration in Old Orchard Beach

Cyclists of all ages also joined in the community’s event. At Old Orchard Beach’s Memorial Park, children tested their cycling skills on the Old Orchard Beach Police Department’s bicycle rodeo, decorated their bicycle for the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce’s bicycle decorating contest, and led their parents on the local 10-mile Old Orchard Beach Family ride. The Eastern Trail Alliance led the 40-mile Old Orchard Beach/South Portland Connection Ride, from Old Orchard Beach and the 17-mile Bug Light Ride, from South Portland.