July 12, 2022 - This year's Festival, slated for September 17th, is hosted again by Preserve Midway, a charitable non- profit devoted to protecting Midway's rural lands and heritage, along with the Midway Historic Preservation Committee. This is a fundraising event to further the preservation of Midway's rural character, cherished by residents and visitors alike. Preserve Midway believes our open landscapes are worth saving. The pastoral Swiss themed village of Midway, like many small towns in the Rockies, is challenged by impacts from rapid, urban growth. Preserve Midway wants to balance that growth by preserving open lands.

As an advocate for the Environmental Protection Agency's 'Smart Growth' principals, Preserve Midway and the Volksmarch Festival raise funds and awareness by:

• Preserving Open Space, Farmland, Natural Beauty, and Critical Environmental Areas
• Creating Walkable Neighborhoods
• Fostering Distinctive Communities with a Strong Sense of Place

After the success of the 2019 Open Space Bond the open space conversation changed. Playing an integral role in the effort, Preserve Midway supporters and Wasatch County taxpayers voted to pass the Bond's open space measures. “Encouraging Midway City planners to preserve open space and increase pedestrian trails brought significant results,” says Kris Ward, a founding board member. “In this way, the Volksmarch and Smart Growth ideals work hand in hand to support our goals.”

Preserve Midway's advocacy and collaboration with property owners and local land trusts helped protect more than 150 acres in 2021. Rather than adding hundreds of residential homes, new infrastructure and more traffic that threaten Midway's rural character, the historic Kohler Dairy Farm, Mt. Spa property, and Kem C. Gardner Midway Legacy Preserve have been protected with conservation easements. And, thanks to overwhelming citizen support another 100 acres are in the process of being saved from development!

Volksmarching is a European tradition that promotes non-competitive walking for fitness. It is a fun way to venture outdoors and take a leisurely walk with friends and family through Midway's countryside and historic neighborhoods. Volksmarch walking clubs https://ava.org/ were established decades ago as a way to organize nature lovers. The American Volksmarch Association hosts many events with local chapters nationwide.

How does a Volksmarch work? Locally, a group such as Preserve Midway, creates a walking route along a predetermined trail or path of varying distances (usually 5K to 10K). After documenting their walk, people of all ages and abilities collect commemorative pins or walking stick medallions, called stocknagels. The unique medallions, which indicate cumulative miles walked, are proudly displayed on a Volksmarcher's favorite walking stick.

To participate in the 2022 Volksmarch Festival, wear a good pair of walking shoes (lederhosen welcome) reflect and help preserve open space while you Volksmarch with your kids, neighbors, grannie, and friends. Don't forget to pack some water and join Preserve Midway and the Midway Historic Preservation Committee on September 17, 2022, for a fun, fall walk through Midway's beautiful valley and historic neighborhoods. Participants should plan on a couple hours to walk the route.

Visitors are encouraged to download the Utah Heritage Walks app for a guided historical tour. Or visit this page all about Midway history, including noteworthy homes near the Midway Main Street area and a walking map. The route meanders past current conservation projects, like the 105-acre Kohler Dairy Farm and Midway's historic Mountain Spa. The Utah Heritage Walks mobile app will compliment your “Pathways” stroll with fascinating historical insights.

A beautiful Friesian horse and farm animals will lead the Volksmarch starting at 10:00 am. Finish your walk at Midway's Town Center site of the Volksmarch Festival which features live music, awards, farm animals, information booths, games, bounce house and food trucks from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Pre-register online: preservemidway.org or Day-of registration at Midway Town Center, beginning
at 9:30 a.m. This is a rain, shine or snow event. Please leave Fido at home and bike, walk or carpool to the event at Midway Town Center. Parking is available at the LDS Church at 165 Center, Midway.

We invite everyone to join us in supporting Preserve Midway's mission at the 2022 Volksmarch Festival.

OUR MISSION
Preserve Midway is dedicated to thoughtful growth and providing options to landowners to preserve the rural character, open space and heritage of Midway, Utah
preservemidway.org

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