(Farragut) — An annual fundraiser and music showcase returns to the KMA airwaves this weekend.
The annual Wabash Trace/Farragut Admiral Trail live radio show will take place on Sunday, March 20 and will air on KMA 960 from 1-4 p.m. at Farragut Falls. Southwest Iowa Nature Trails president Becca Castle recently joined the KMA’s “Morning Show” and said a portion of this year’s proceeds will go toward the ultimate goal of connecting the two trails. Currently the trail only extends about two miles from Farragut toward Shenandoah.
“And then the trail ends, so the base is there, the ballast, but unfortunately there’s a bridge that’s been burned, I believe, and you can’t cross over to Highway 2,” said explained Castle. “So Phase 2 would complete the resurfacing of Highway 2 and replace that bridge so it could be a real connection.”
Castle says Phase 3 of the Admiral Trail project would include bringing the trail into Shenandoah, eventually connecting it to the Wabash Trace.
Sunday’s event will feature several sponsorship readings and numerous musical performances, including John Rogers. Rogers, a Shenandoah native, says the event is always a fun way to catch up with old friends.
“We all kind of come together there, and it’s a great hometown gathering for a group of people who have ties to Shen and Southwestern Iowa,” Rogers said. “I guess Jeff Slater will be playing it, Rick Hillyard doing most of the technical stuff, he and I were bandmates at the time as well. I don’t know who will be there, but I’ll tell you say, everyone who is there is good.”
Rodgers adds that it’s always special to perform while donating to a worthy cause.
“You know anytime you can do something where you can get your own shoelace out playing and singing, and you can throw a few shekels at a good cause, I mean why don’t we all support it? ” Rogers pointed out.
Castle says the event, which started as a simple fundraiser for the Trace, has evolved over the years to include the Admiral Trail.
“This is the ninth year we’ve held this fundraiser,” Castle said. “It all started at Wabash Winery, then after Shelly (Skahill) sold that business, we moved it to the waterfalls and joined forces with Admiral Trail to make it a fundraiser for us. of them.”
There is no cost to attend the event, but donations are welcome. Those interested in placing a $50 sponsorship for the event can contact the Wabash Trace on Facebook or email wabashtracenaturetrail@gmail.com, or contact Becca Castle at 515-210-0269. You can hear the full interviews with Becca Castle and John Rogers below.
