On Saturday, September 27, runners and bicyclists from all over the state will be thronging Andover to participate in a fundraiser for Special Olympics New Hampshire. Individuals – including Special Olympic athletes as well as volunteer teams from local schools, businesses, and law enforcement – will use the Northern Rail Trail between Andover and Enfield, with all events beginning and ending in Andover.

There will also be a leisurely 4.5-mile family bike ride, open to all comers, beginning at the Highland Lake Inn. Streets and fields will be filled with parked cars, and each of those cars will bring dollar bills to the local economy.

If that doesn’t make your heart swell, picture Proctor Academy’s Carr Field encamped from 8 AM to 2 PM with concession tents and carts; the mesmerizing odor of grilled brats, onions and peppers, steamed corn on the cob, french fries, and autumn leaves hanging in the crisp fall air. Andover area organizations are participating in order to raise money for Special Olympics New Hampshire and also for their own charitable efforts which enrich the fabric of our community – scholarships, the food pantry, eye glasses, hearing aids, life-saving equipment, youth sports, and much more.

Andover Service Club has cookies, pies, and finger sandwiches. Kearsarge Hockey League is selling some killer wraps. Doughty Andover Fire Department and Andover EMS volunteers are firing up the grills and roasting burgers and brats. And in a history-making turn of events, the Tilton-Northfield Rotary Club and the Andover Lions Club have teamed up to sell frozen treats.

Tarte Cafe and Bakery in Andover has brought Chef Corinne Cline’s pastries, and Pay It Forward Farm is showcasing Sophie Viandier’s local organic farm products. Refreshing hot and iced beverages are being sold by Red Barn Coffee Roasters and Harney and Sons Fine Teas to benefit the New Hampshire Special Olympics. Harvest Market is providing food for runners. But there’s much more …

Think of vendors like Thule, Camelback, and Clif Bars; a public safety display; and Andover Energy Group promoting their products and services. See the Goodale’s Bike Shop’s bicycle clinic by the fence, and over there, kids creating tie-dyed shirts? You have just snagged a snow cone when …

You look a little to the right and notice the inflated bouncy house; the horseback rides provided by Andover’s own nationally recognized riding instructor, Allison Barry of Whisper Wind Stables; the face-painting artists changing urchins into angels.

To the left of you there is a dais where awards are being made to winners and runners-up for the 100- and the 50-kilometer bike and foot races along the Northern Rail Trail to Enfield. What a triumphant day for the Friends of the Northern Rail Trail, who have made this event possible with their years of dedicated work!

It would also appear that the last family has completed their 4.5-mile bike ride from Highland Lake Inn to Carr Field on the rail trail. Those four-year-olds are riding circles around their bushed parents, still wanting to participate in the Kids Fun Run at 10 AM to earn the “token” which will be given to every runner.

Over the din of happy people, do you hear the all-day DJs spinning their platters?

Well, look over there … it is a group of your friends! They signed up to ride the 50-kilometer together, and they have just made it back. They look flushed, healthy, and happy. They see you and wave. You feel great to be there to support their effort. In fact, you feel happy and alive yourself. Food, family, friends, fun, fundraising, and fresh air. It all adds up to a day well-spent!

Make your race plans today by registering at BikeReg.com/RailTrailRunOrRide.  More information is also available at SONH.org or Facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsNH.  Questions? Contact SONH Special Events Manager Chelsea Gill at 624-1250 ext. 42 or ChelseaG@nullSONH.org. If your local organization would like to add to the festivities, contact Innkeeper@nullHighlandLakeInn.com.