Candlelit Montour Trail Draws Peters Township Supporters

In its 9th year, the attracted residents in droves to participate in a chief effort to maintain the staple passageway.  

For a $7 donation, night walkers—including dogs—trekked from to St. Petersburg Center (or vice versa) along the Montour Trail, which was lit beautifully with luminarias.

Parents and children received a glow stick/necklace, a raffle ticket, a drink and cookie ticket, and dog treats were provided for the pups. Other items, such as Blinkies, popcorn and SnoCones were for sale—Peters students Morgan Everson and Korie Roberts served up the icy treats.

Last year, more than 500 people attended the annual event.

“We’re hopeful for that number again,” said Mark Imgrund, Peters Friends of the Montour Trail president. Imgrund has held his current position since 2004.

“It’s an amazing event. Really neat.”

Volunteer Chris Nagoda, who’s been involved in the organization for four to five years, agreed.

“It takes a lot of work, but it’s wonderful to see everyone enjoying it,” said the Peters resident. “ donated the SnoCone machine. It’s nice to see the community get involved.”

Sue Headley, Twilight Trail Walk coordinator and Bethel Park resident, remembers when the event was first introduced—Farmhouse Coffee was Scones & Cones.

“It’s grown exponentially,” she said. “We now have to have two ends, two registration areas because of parking.”

Among volunteers was township Manager Michael Silvestri.

“It’s a wonderful family-friendly event,” he said. “It’s a fun time and we all want to support the trail."

Dynamic duo Jim and Karen Robbins were also manning a table. Prior to Friday night’s event, they helped prep, which included stocking Jim’s truck with myriad luminarias—hundreds and hundreds ... and hundreds. 

Karen serves as trail treasurer and is a former Montour Trail Council board member.

Trail council President Ned Williams was very thankful for Friday’s weather.

“This is a great event in Peters Township. We’re lucky that the thunder passed by,” he said. “There was lightning in the sky and luminarias on the trail.”

As the DJ's music played, Williams expressed his excitement for the next big thing: Saturday afternoon, a ceremony will take place officially opening two trail connectors in nearby Cecil.

Now, 43 of the 46 total miles spanning the main line from Coraopolis to Clairton are complete, Williams told KDKA Friday.

“We’re excited for all trail users to refrain from crossing busy roads,” Williams, a Washington, PA resident, told Patch.

Today’s festivities begin at noon at Hendersonville Park in Cecil. 

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