HILL TOWNS – Area residents are invited to enjoy a road trip and scavenger hunt on June 29, sponsored by Jacob’s Ladder Business Association.
“Roadtrip thru the Hilltowns is a self-guided road trip and scavenger hunt through Westfield and the hill towns,” said Mimi Caban Ross, a member of the association’s board and the external events coordinator. “The objective is to visit as many of our members that day whether they’re open or closed, get proof that you were there, either with a photo, business card, receipt and/or posting on social media using #HilltownsRoadTrip #JLBA.”
Don Podolski, owner of New Horizons Bikes in Westfield, encourages area residents to participate in the June 29 “Roadtrip thru the Hill towns” event. His shop is one of the stops along the road trip and scavenger hunt.
The event, beginning at 10 a.m., is free and open to the public and registration is not required.
Road trippers will receive a raffle ticket for each place they visit that day and will receive a bonus raffle ticket for each place they post on social media using the hashtags.
“Proofs and photos must be taken on June 29,” said Caban Ross.
At press time a host of raffle prizes continues to grow and currently includes a free night stay at the Three Sisters Sanctuary Airbnb in Goshen; two tickets for a performance at the Chester Theatre Company; an overnight stay in a historic train at the Chester Railroad Station; a bike light from New Horizons Bikes in Westfield, and gift cards from the Chester Common Table Restaurant, Papa’s Healthy Food & Fuel in Otis, and the Comfort Kitchen & Bar in Huntington.
Caban Ross said the event came to fruition to celebrate the launch of the 2019 JLBA hiking trails and business locator map which was published last month.
“I wanted to create some sort of event that would let people in the hill towns know what we are doing and who our members are but also to let people beyond the hill towns know about us and give them a fun reason to come to the hill towns, visit our members and get more familiar with what we have to offer out here,” said Caban Ross.
Caban Ross added that part of her role is twofold – support members and provide more visibility within the hill towns and beyond.
“The hill towns includes about 23 little towns,” said Caban Ross, adding that some members are also from Westfield. “So as a board we came up with the idea to do a road trip scavenger hunt.”
An “after party” on June 29 is slated from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Chester Common Table Restaurant, Main Street, Chester.
“That’s where the raffle tickets will be drawn and we will give away the prizes,” said Caban Ross.
Don Podolski, owner of New Horizons Bikes in Westfield, is a member of the association and is participating in the event. When road trippers stop in to his shop, refreshments will be available as well as a chance to win a bike helmet.
“I like this concept of promoting local businesses,” said Podolski. “There are so many neat places to see right in our own back yard, as well as great hiking and cycling destinations to discover.”
For a downloadable scavenger hunt list as well as updates on the day’s activities, visit JLBA.org/roadtrip2019.
