As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic crushed many of the plans and fundraising events for Firefly Trail Inc., in 2020.  Despite this, we and our trail communities moved forward and accomplished many important milestones.

From the beautiful completion of Winterville's Model Mile, to the extension of the trail in Maxeys, to construction of the Model Mile in Union Point, we and our community partners achieved tremendous goals this year.  As we plan for 2021, we need to sustain our ability to seek grant opportunities and be ready with matching funds to help our local communities in need.  Now, more than ever, it is critical we stay on track with our efforts and keep the momentum moving forward.  To do so, we must shore up lost funding if we are to achieve our goals for 2021.

As a result,  we are launching the Firefly Trail Year-End Crowdfunding Campaign.  If you give $30 and encourage 10 friends/family to do the same, we can fill the lost revenue gap due to COVID-19.  Please take a look at our Year-End Challenge Crowdfunding page, donate and add your name to the list. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.
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Thank you so much for your continued support!  
TOGETHER, we are building OUR trail and connecting OUR communities. 

​An online public meeting with ACC Leisure Services will take place on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

Two informational in-person drop-in sessions are scheduled at Pittard Park (main picnic shelter), 115 Parkview Road, Winterville:

Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Attendees are reminded to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings. Time limits may be imposed if large numbers attend.

Details, including possible alternate routes, are at the ACC Listens website: https://www.accgov.com/leisureserviceslistens

Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Firefly Relay, held Oct. 30-Nov. 8 as a virtual time-trial. We had great participation for our low-key first effort, and thank everyone who participated, whether you were racing the clock or just having fun. Everyone who signed up can get your 2020 Firefly Trail t-shirt by contacting us. In addition, those whose names are in italics are award winners and can get your prizes by contacting us. Also, if you have suggestions to improve the event or route in 2021, please let us know. All proceeds from the relay will be used to advance the work of Firefly Trail Inc., to nurture the creation of the Firefly Trail from Union Point to Athens. Thanks for your support!

First Annual Firefly Trail Virtual Relay (October 30-November 8, 2020) – RESULTS
(1 Lap = 12.1 miles; 3 Laps = 36.3 miles) Italicized = Award WINNER

1 Lap “Sprint” U50 Female
1) Lisa Baynes 42:41
1 Lap “Sprint” U50 Male
1) Brad Frink 33:22
2) Brandon Grainy 33:27
1 Lap “Sprint” 50+ Female
1) Carol Myers 49:53
1 Lap “Sprint” 50+ Male
1) Steve Cummings 39:45
2) Mark Ralston 46:57
3) Rich Born 47:59
4) Michael Kraft 51:04
1 Lap “Sprit” Lanterne Rouge
Michael Kraft
3 Lap “Tour” U50 Female
No participants
3 Lap “Tour” U50 Male
1) Alex Balashov 1:35:37
2) Stephen Wolfson 1:41:25 
3) Lakin Garth 2:12:19
3 Lap “Tour” 50+ Female
1) Carol Myers 2:47:48
3 Lap “Tour” 50+ Male
1) John Kissane 1:55:56
2) Don McKim 2:14:05
3) Paul Meech 2:31:02
3 Lap “Tour” Lanterne Rouge
Paul Meech
Team 3x1 Lap Relay
No participants
Team 3x3 Lap Relay
1) Steve Cummings, Michael Herbert, Don McKim 6:27:46
2) John Kissane, Mark Ralston, Ken Sherman 6:34:50

​While 2020 overall has not been a banner year, the week of Oct. 11 will long be remembered by fans of the Firefly Trail and the people of the communities it will serve.

​In Winterville, Mayor Dodd Ferrelle, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz and Commissioner and Rails-to-Trails Committee Chairman Andy Herod cut the ribbon to officially open an already much-loved 1.2- mile section of the trail.

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In Union Point, crews continued clearing, grading, and pouring concrete as work progresses to complete a 0.6-mile segment of the trail connecting neighborhoods north of downtown to Greene County Primary School.

​In Maxeys, weeks of preparatory work came to fruition as crews laid asphalt on an extension of the
existing trail from Laurel Street to Cherry Street behind the historic Depot.

​In Athens-Clarke, work continued to clear the corridor from Old Winterville Road to Hancock Road, with a goal of finishing the 1.8-mile segment before the end of October 2021. This stretch will pass under the Loop and Winterville Road and will include a new bridge over a soon-to-be-built access ramp from Lexington Road to the Outer Loop. It also passes by a quarry ACC just announced it will purchase for a new water reservoir and park.

And Greene County, Woodville, Maxeys, Union Point and Firefly Trail Inc. -- working with the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission -- submitted an application for a nearly $3 million Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant. If awarded, the grant and matching funds from the partners will complete the trail in Union Point, Greene County, Woodville and Maxeys. 
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