An article in the March/April Issue of the Trail-Letter informed readers of a McDonald-area festival that was to be held on June 7 in conjunction with National Trails Day. As reported in that article, the festival activities had to mesh with the construction schedule for the new 5-mile Trail segment linking the existing 18-mile Moon Township-to-McDonald section with the 6-mile Cecil-to-Chartiers Creek section.

As it turns out, construction of the new section could not be completed in time for us to carry out the June 7 plans. However, we WILL be commemorating the opening of the new section and have firmed up plans for the actual event. This w ill mark an important milestone in that the new section will bring the total length of the Trail thus far completed to 22.3 contiguous miles and 39 total miles.

The Montour Trail TrestleFest will mark the opening of the new 5-mile section extending from McDonald to Venice in Washington County and including the rehabilitated 960-foot McDonald Trestle (the namesake of the festival). It will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, September 6. Festivities will begin with opening ceremonies at the north end of the trestle, just west of McDonald on Noblestown Road.

A shuttle is planned, enabling attendees to tour the McDonald Trail Welcoming Center/Meeting House, downtown McDonald, and the nearby Panhandle Trail, in addition to Festival attractions that will be located at the deck level of the trestle. Planned activities include children's attractions, riding and walking tours, live music, and exhibits by community organizations and agencies. In short, we will be trying to include attractions that will offer something of interest for persons of all ages and backgrounds. Please mark your calendars now, and watch for future announcements giving additional details for this major milestone in the completion of our Trail.

- Stan Sattinger