The weather was fair on Sunday for the annual Winter Trek at the Marilla Reservoir.
The Winter Trek is the brainchild of the late Gene Cornelius, one of the founders of the Tuna Valley Trail Association, who created the free event in an effort to provide the community with more ways to make fun memories in the winter time.
While the trek is usually held in February, the event was moved a month earlier to allow for more volunteers to pitch in and to provide a better chance of snow. The trek did see a fair amount of volunteers, but it did not see a lot of snow. There was enough for participants to enjoy the winter activities.
“While it would’ve been ideal to have more snow, the area is protected by the trees which allowed it to avoid snow loss,” said Steve Kresge, spokesperson of the TVTA.
Participants were treated to a variety of ways to explore the trail, including hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. A more adventurous route was offered to participants via a shuttle to the top of Marilla Springs. Other brave participants made the choice to walk across the frozen reservoir, as others stood watch from afar cheering them on.
“Unlike some of the other events we host, this event really is a community service event,” Kresge said. “It’s like a big get together in the community.”
The event saw about 150 participants, one of whom was Janice Caruso of Bradford, who was in attendance with her daughter and two grandchildren.
“It’s the first time in several years that I’ve participated in the Winter Trek,” Caruso said. “It was a great time with a lot of great people. I recommend it to everyone in the area to try at least once.”
Tuna Valley Trail Association treasurer Sara Andrews provided participants with snowshoes to try on, while the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford provided cross country skis.
While the temperature was relatively fair for the time of year, participants were able to warm themselves with provided hot beverages and a bonfire on site. Hot dogs were also provided to roast over the fire.
“It’s just a pleasure to be able to continue something that Gene created that provides so much fun for locals,” Kresge said. “It’s a way to keep his memory going.”
For more information on the event and other upcoming events, visit Facebook at Tuna Valley Trail Association or the website www.tunavalleytrail.com.
