As a busy stretch of events continues at Midway, the Volksmarch is this Saturday.
Traditional German dress, cow bells, Stocknagel walking sticks, live music and games will highlight the 10-mile walk through Midway’s historic homes and countryside.
Volksmarch is German for “people’s march”. It is a European tradition to connect with neighboring communities.
“A Volksmarch is a European tradition where they invited other locals to come and see their town and see what was special about it,” said Lori Stone, organizer. “We thought this is a great springboard, a great idea that we can invite people outside of Midway and our local residents to see why Midway is special to us and also why Midway is worth preserving or saving” .
Proceeds from this Saturday’s event will benefit open space conservation efforts through Preserve Midway. It is a non-profit organization that works with the city, conservation groups and landowners to preserve undeveloped land and historic features in and around the city.
Preserve Midway was formed in 2016 and helped pass a $5 million bond to fund open space preservation in 2018.
He has also assisted with community education campaigns and worked directly with landowners on their land use options. According to the nonprofit’s website, it has worked with Utah Open Lands and the Summit Land Conservancy to preserve 260 acres between three properties.
“We’ve been instrumental in changing that whole conversation in Midway and really in our valley and bringing other like-minded people to preserve what we value, which is to maintain a rural lifestyle and the quality of life that conservation brings.” , he said. Stone, who is also the president of Preserve Midway.
He says the group also pressures local governments to pass codes and ordinances for low-density development and conservation incentives.
Rain or shine, after the 9:30 a.m. entry time, the Volksmarch will begin at 10 a.m. in the town square with the sound of an Alpenhorn and farm animals leading the march. You will pass by Mountain Spa, one of the recently preserved estates.
For those who prefer a shorter walk, there is a 1 mile trail option.
Back at Town Square after the walk, Chris Jones, Carrie Hobbs and the Wendy Fisher Band from Utah Open Lands will be playing on stage. There will be bounce houses, a climbing wall, food trucks and a free raffle.
Preserve Midway has partnered with the Midway Historical Preservation Society to host the event.
Prior registration is recommended preservemidway.org.
