Hike Into Avon Lake History On June 9

AVON LAKE, OH - On June 9, families can take part in the "Hike Into History" in Avon Lake. The event will give participants a glimpse into early pioneer life in the city.

Part of the ongoing Avon Lake Bicentennial Celebration, the event is open to people of all ages.

"This one is intended to focus on history. What we're trying to do is give families a glimpse of early pioneer life, by having them walk the trails behind the library," Sherry Spenzer, an organizer of the event, said.

During the hike, families can meet and learn about friendly farm animals, visit interactive stations to learn survival skills and meet costumed presenters who will discuss their pioneer lives. There will be about 20 stops along the trails.

Kopf Family Reservation will play host to the free event. Families can begin gathering for the hike at noon. The event will continue until 3 p.m. The tours are self-guided, so families can determine how long they want to spend walking around.

Spenzer said the event took a year to put together. From idea to actuation, she had to devise stations, find people to run the stations, and then recruit, recruit, recruit. Part of her time was spent reaching out to 4H leaders, scout troops and others.

"I actually think it's the younger age population that this will reach most meaningfully," she told Patch. "I'm hoping that younger kids and students will have their eyes opened to how pioneers lived, with a lack of fresh water, plumbing, time pieces. We take that all for granted now. A lot of kids don't even know that was absent from people's live in 1800s."