National First Day Hike (January 1st) at Glen Elder State Park will have an extra goal for the event this year. With the social distancing of Covid challenges, more people are being encouraged to participate by offering additional incentives.
Up to 50 free one-year park passes for 2021, and other great prizes will be offered to participants who walk the group trail hike for the day.
Glen Elder State Park and Waconda Cultural Association are working with the Kansas Beats the Virus Program to give people the option to walk the State Park on January 1st, but also to inspire them to “Take Care of Yourself, Enjoy the Great Outdoors” through the rest of winter and all of 2021.
First Day Hike is a national event, hosted by State Parks. The First Day Hike at Waconda Lake is a group hike, with social distancing, involving all ages. It will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Glen Elder State Park Office and participants will need to register when they arrive. Everyone is encouraged to complete the full roundtrip walk of 3 miles, and return to the State Park office. Special arrangements for an adapted version of the trail can be made that day, if necessary.
Registrants who complete the walk will be eligible for a 2021 year-long park pass and other prizes. Park passes are limited to one per family that walks, and non-transferable. Please have your I.D.
Other prizes are available to everyone who completes the group walk. Drawings will be at the completion of the group walk. There are children and adult drawings, and entries must be present to win. Some of the prizes include Apple Airpods, wireless earbuds, and a gift certificate for walking shoes donated by S & S Drugstore. Other prizes include Flipbelts, touchscreen gloves, Kids Fitbit watches, gaiters and headbands. RV & Sporting Goods Store at Becker Autos and Trailers is also donating a $50 gift certificate.
Complimentary T-shirts from the State Park are on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis, as well as granola bars. Dress warm and bring your own beverage. Items for the local food pantry are also being collected on behalf of KDWPT.
Arrive on time, for a relaxing walk in the Park. Join us for the First Day Hike, “Take Care of Yourself, Enjoy the Great Outdoors.” Updates will be available on the Glen Elder State Park Office Facebook page and Waconda Cultural Association Facebook. Please comment or ask questions through Facebook.