LISTEN HERE

The sixth annual Greenway Gala is coming to Maria Stein on September 12, bringing together local food, drinks, live music and art while raising money for the Marion Community Greenway and its multi use path system.

Greenway committee members Brad Knapke and Ben Moeller joined WCSM’s Spectrum to preview this year’s event and discuss the long term vision for the trail system.

The Greenway Gala will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Heritage Park Woods area at Marion Township Park in Maria Stein. Organizers described the setting as one of the things that makes the event unique, with lights strung through the wooded area as the evening moves toward sunset.

Tickets are $60 per person and organizers are encouraging people to purchase them in advance so participating vendors can prepare for attendance. The event is primarily geared toward adults.

A number of local restaurants, breweries and businesses are expected to participate. Food vendors discussed during Spectrum included Silas Creative Kitchen, The Deli Barn, Caddy’s Do Good, Winner’s Meats, Holy Smokes and Moeller Brew Barn. Beverage offerings are expected from businesses including Versailles Winery, The Social Bar, Second Crossing Brewery, Municipal Brew Works and Crooked Handle Brewing.

Organizers said part of the appeal is that many vendors bring something different from what customers might normally find on their everyday menus. One example mentioned during the interview was loaded pork with beer cheese and caramelized onions.

Zach Rosenbeck will provide acoustic music throughout the evening.

The Gala will also feature a live art component. Artist Jenna Walterbusch is expected to create an oil painting during the event with a patriotic theme. The finished piece will be sold through a live auction, with Brandon Arling serving as auctioneer.

Last year’s Greenway Gala took on a different mission following the fire at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein. Organizers said approximately $37,000 was raised to support the church restoration effort.

This year, proceeds return to supporting the Marion Community Greenway and multi use path.

The existing Greenway stretches about 2.1 miles from the Winans area to Marion Township Park. Organizers say the trail has become a resource for people walking, biking, exercising and spending time outdoors.

Knapke and Moeller said the long term vision is to expand beyond the current trail and create safer connections between communities throughout the Marion Local area.

One of the ideas currently receiving attention is a future connection between Maria Stein and Chickasaw. Organizers said residents have also raised possibilities involving St. Sebastian, Osgood and other surrounding communities.

Moeller said traffic in the area has changed significantly over the years, making safety one of the main reasons the group wants to create alternatives to traveling along busy roadways.

He said families may not feel as comfortable today allowing children to ride bicycles along highways as they might have years ago.

Organizers said future expansion will depend on several factors, including community support, available routes, fundraising and potential grant opportunities through state agencies.

The multi use path operates under the Marion Community Development Organization, with money raised for the Greenway helping with trail upkeep, future projects and possible matching funds for grants.

Knapke said the ultimate goal is not simply to create a place for cyclists. The path provides an outdoor resource for walkers, runners, families and residents who want to move between areas without having to share increasingly busy roadways.

Moeller said people often discover the value of a bike path after they begin using one, describing the experience as quiet, peaceful and good for the community.

The sixth annual Greenway Gala is scheduled for Saturday, September 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Maria Stein. Organizers are encouraging anyone interested in attending to secure tickets ahead of the event.