As summer winds down, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Northern Michigan quiets to a serene, golden beauty. The spectacular of the season’s end can be experienced this Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, during a 5 kilometer walk or run to raise money for preserving the historic structures of Northern Michigan.
The race begins at 9 a.m. from the Charles Olsen farm—restored by Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear in 2004—and winds through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The barn-to-barn trail is a loop on the Bayview Trail, extending through the Arcadian landscape to reveal enchanting farmsteads dating from the 1800’s sheltered amongst the wooded hills and striking brilliant blue Lake Michigan vistas.
For some this run will be seen as a challenge, but for the many who decide to walk it will prove a wonderful way to observe bewitching scenery whilst enjoying a casual outing that benefits efforts to preserve the historic structures of Sleeping Bear. Now in its second year, the day will prove a fantastic family event,with those who are 14 and under having the option to go a shorter distance and those who are 12 and under the chance to be involved in a half-mile schoolhouse dash fun run. There is still plenty of time to sign up, requiring a donation of $20 or $30 on the day of the race, where only cash or checks will be accepted. For more information or to volunteer for this event please go to phsb.org. Serena Sidaway attends high school in Worcester, England and writes for MyNorth.com.