By Northwest Nebraska Trails Association
Trick-or-treaters took an opportunity Sunday to get a head start on Halloween while doing something healthy during Trick-or-Trails, the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association’s (NNTA) annual Halloween hiking event.
About 250 trick-or-treaters participated, an increase of approximately 100 participants from 2021.
"This event was a big hit for a second year in a row,” Britt Helmbrecht, NNTA president said. “It was encouraging to see so many families together on the trail enjoying the beautiful scenery. Any time we can promote trails and get families on them, we’re honoring our mission. And, as a bonus, we had beautiful weather on Sunday.”
Trick-or-Trails occurred just southwest of the Chadron State College Campus on trails near Briggs Pond on the Harold and Laverne Thompson Natural History Preserve. Along the .4-mile hike, participants were greeted by NNTA members as well as Chadron State athletic teams and Chadron Rotary, who volunteered to pass out candy.
“We had five Chadron State athletics teams and two other groups volunteer to dress up and pass out treats to the children and families,” Helmbrecht said. “There was cheering, music, dancing, and it seemed like everyone had a great time. Homeowners from Canyon Drive decorated part of the route for added spookiness.”
Event sponsors included Chadron Walmart, Chadron Rotary, Kerri Rempp, Thrivent, and CSC athletic teams including, women’s wrestling, golf, men’s wrestling, women’s basketball, and volleyball.
The annual event is one of many ways the NNTA interacts with the community. On Saturday, the NNTA will sponsor a maintenance day at the labyrinth at the Thompson Natural History Preserve. If interested in volunteering, participants will gather at 9 a.m. at the Nelson Physical Activity Center south parking lot. The NNTA also sponsors several group hikes and other events throughout the year.
The NNTA was formed in 2017 when a group of outdoor recreationists saw the need for a local organization to support the development, promotion and maintenance of the region’s outstanding trails resources for non-motorized exploration.
One of the group’s major objectives is completing the section of the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail from Chadron to Hay Springs, allowing for an uninterrupted route to Gordon on the smooth grade since abandoned by an historic railroad.
Those interested in joining NNTA or donating can visit the group’s website at www.nwnebraskatrails.com.
