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Friends of Blue Star Trail Ready to Open New Section to the Public

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Following a seemingly endless winter, the group known as Friends of The Blue Star Trail are happy to emerge from the drudgery and into the summer sunshine by inviting everyone to the grand opening of their recently completed section of the Blue Star Trail in Saugatuck Township on Sunday, May 20th from 1:30 to 3:30pm.

Ann Horner is Event Chair for the celebratory time and she says, “After a long, dreary winter it will be time for some fresh air and fun.” She adds, “The Celebration is open to everyone, so bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of spring therapy.”

The Celebration will kick off at the south trail-head – located at the corner of Old Allegan Road and Blue Star Highway. Parking will be available at the Saugatuck Reformed Christian Church. The new trail section runs parallel to Blue Star Highway from Old Allegan Road north past the fire station to North Street.

The completion of this section of the non-motorized Blue Star Trail has been a major accomplishment for the Friends of The Blue Star Trail, an all-volunteer group that works in partnership with local communities to promote and fund the trail. The next phase of the Blue Star Trail is to extend north to the existing trail that runs along Holland Street and then Blue Star Highway where it connects at 64th Street with the Beeline Trail to Holland. The trail will also be extended south to Maple Street. The Friends, in partnership with Saugatuck Township, hope to begin construction on those new sections as early as Fall 2019.

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A brief opening ceremony will include a special tribute from the State and a ribbon cutting by Jeanne Van Zoeren, a prime mover in the trail’s development. Folks will then be invited to participate in a Fun walk, ride, or run north to the fire station for an open house. Participants will also be invited to proceed north from the fire station to follow the proposed route to the existing trail on the west side of Blue Star Highway that connects with the Beeline Trail to Holland.

The Celebration will also be the final event of the Saugatuck/Douglas PTO’s “Screens Free Week” an event that encourages students and families to take a break from their personal devices and screens. Numerous activities are planned to that end, including parents and kids celebrating the outdoors by walking or biking the new trail section as part of the opening festivities.

Additionally, the celebration will feature prizes including six bicycles for kids and adults, and a limited number of water bottles and cow-bells. Free popcorn, cotton candy, and Palazzolo’s Gelato will be available as well as barbeque and other food for purchase. Music will be provided by the South Haven High School Jazz Band,and the fire station will be open with its equipment on display.

Friends of the Blue Star Trail is a motivated group of local residents who volunteer their time and talents to promote and fund the scenic Blue Star Trial – a 20 mile non-motorized recreational trail connecting people and communities from Saugatuck to South Haven while improving their safety, wellness, economic health and environment.

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