Enjoy fall colors and support the local 4-H program
CENTREVILLE – A first-of-its-kind event in St. Joseph County will give off-road enthusiasts a chance to support the local 4-H program.
Discounted registration for the Oct. 21 Fall Color Tour all-terrain/off-road vehicle ride is in place through Thursday. Starting Friday, registration goes from $40 per machine to $50. Additional rider is $10 if registered on or before Thursday, $15 after.
“This is a fundraiser for the St. Joseph County Grange Fair and the 4-H Youth Council,” said Diane Zinsmaster, a 4-H volunteer and co-organizer of the event. “Proceeds will be used for future 4-H and Open Class premiums, so it's for a great cause to support our youth and community.”
The ride will cover about 100 miles within St. Joseph County. It starts and ends at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds. A mandatory driver meeting is at 10 a.m., with departure at 10:15.
Zinsmaster said the trek will feature six stops, including Rawson’s King Mill County Park in Leonidas Township, Covered Bridge Farm County Park in Lockport Township, Corey Lake Farms in Fabius Township and Purgatory in Constantine Township.
“It's a mixture of dirt and less-traveled paved roads to showcase the beautiful fall foliage colors, which should be at their peak at that time,” she said. “Pack your cooler with some water, lunch and snacks, and come enjoy some beautiful scenery in St. Joseph County.”
The ride is open to any ORV/ATV: three-wheelers, quads, side-by-sides, utility vehicles and John Deere gators, for example. Zinsmaster said other vehicles welcome to join in include dune buggies, dirt bikes and Jeeps or Broncos, for example.
She said any ORV in the event must have an ORV-designated trail permit/stickers and appropriate safety gear. Street-legal and licensed Jeeps, Broncos or dune buggies don't need the ORV trail permits.
Camping at the fairgrounds is available Oct. 20 and 21. Cost is $30 for one night or $50 for both.
Registration and more information is available through the St. Joseph County Grange Fair website: www.centrevillefair.com.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Enjoy fall colors and support the local 4-H program
