If you build it, they will come. But who?

Over the 10 years when Friends of the Northern Rail Trail were putting gravel on the old Northern Rail Line between Boscawen and Grafton, they had no idea who would come to use it.

It turns out that one of the best users is Special Olympics New Hampshire, which, along with the Law Enforcement’s Torch Run for Special Olympics, will hold its third Rail Trail Rally on Saturday, October 1.

Last year the Rail Trail Rally featured a variety of opportunities to be active, including a 1.5 mile Family Walk, 5K and 10K running events, and 15 mile and 30 mile cycling races along the Northern Rail Trail between Boscawen and Andover/Danbury.

This event also featured fun for the whole family with a 4.5 mile family cycling ride beginning at the Highland Lake Inn and ending at Proctor Academy. Proctor Academy has been very involved with facilitating and supporting the day’s events and has welcomed its operation to Carr Field.

This year the program will be expanded by a party to Celebrate the Athletes on the eve of the Northern Rail Trail Rally. The party takes place on Friday, September 30, from 4 to 9 PM at the Andover Barn at the Highland Lake Inn at 32 Maple Street in East Andover.

The festivities to celebrate the athletes will include a cook-out, plus games, and music by DJ Bobby Cormier (aka Tilton Chief of Police), who has spearheaded the local development of this event, along with his “partner in crime,” Pecco Beaufays of Highland Lake Inn.

Celebrate the Athletes is multi-sponsored by Andover Barn at Highland Lake Inn, plus Tilt’n Diner, Onions Pub and Restaurant, and BJs, all of Tilton, and Brothers House of Smoke of Concord, and Tarte Cafe and Bakery of Andover.

A donation of $20 for adults and $10 for kids is suggested. All are welcome.

For further information contact Pecco Beaufays at Innkeeper@nullHighlandLakeInn.com or 735-6426.