September 15, 2024
Preserve Midway’s 2024 Midway Volksmarch Fall Festival and Fundraiser has come to a close in beautiful Midway Utah.
Hundreds of supporters assembled Saturday on the Midway City Town Square to celebrate Midway’s rural past, present and future. Some visitors dressed in traditional German and Swiss clothing to celebrate the historical beginnings of Midway. Live music, food trucks and local farm animals were all part of the attraction. Education booths helped to inform about the need to vote YES on Midway’s 2024 Open Space Bond that will appear on the ballot this November.
Preserve Midway’s conservation efforts have helped conserve over 400 acres in and around Midway in the last 6 years. Matching federal and private funds were factored as high has 11x along with Midway resident’s 2018 $5M Open Space Bond. A new bond will appear on the ballot in November to continue the efforts. Preserve Midway is helping to educate the citizens how critical these local monies are to attract the federal and private funds needed to preserve what is most important in Midway – its rural character.
Supporters heard from Preserve Midway President Lori Stone, Midway City Mayor Celeste Johnson, and Utah Open lands’ Director Wendy Fisher - each were grateful for the support and were optimistic about the future of land conservation in Midway and its surrounding areas.
The highlight of the day was the Volksmarch itself which by translation means “the people’s walk”. Volksmarchers were led by a massive Fresian Horse named Ely through The Kem Gardner Family Preserve which is currently walking the path to conservation in Midway.
Fundraising goals were met to help bridge the financial gap on the Christian Michel property in Midway which is awaiting conservation. Additional donations are welcome to help ongoing conservation efforts.
images by Thomas Boden