OTTAWA — The Flint Hills Nature Trail, the longest trail in the state, is set to open this weekend and to celebrate, the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Dirty Kanza Productions, Emporia; will hold “Rush the Rails,” a bicycle and running race along the Flint Hills Trail from Osawatomie to Council Grove — 96 miles – this weekend. Cities along the trail are celebrating with events specific to their community and Ottawa is having several events. The first is Friday night as Katie and the Boys play for a street dance in downtown Ottawa. Saturday morning, Ottawans are encouraged to ride a bicycle or walk to First and Walnut streets, where the trail goes through downtown and meets the Prairie Spirit Trail from the south, and grab one of 50 cow bells and ring as contestants reach Ottawa. The first racer is expected to arrive at about 8:30 a.m., with the last one at about 12:30 p.m., said Ottawa Memorial Auditorium director Tiffany Evans. Many more events will take place in Ottawa on Saturday including a bike rodeo, bike repair demonstrations. There will also be face painting, food trucks and vendors. Osawatomie is the starting point. Osawatomie will send off the competitors and a kickoff party at John Brown Park with free hot dogs for everyone and music from Route 66. There will be many events for all ages. All camping fees will be waived for the weekend.
Thursday, Oct. 5, 5 p.m.
