This Saturday, folks will be welcomed to Mantua, a Buckeye Trail Town. Mantua is also home to the Headwaters Trail and the Cuyahoga Scenic River Trail. This coming Saturday, the three trails will converge during the fourth annual Triple Trail Festival at Buchert Park in Mantua. The date also coincides with the Headwaters Adventure Race.
The Portage Park District will once again host the annual Headwaters Adventure Race, which kicks off at 8 am that morning from Buchert Park. The adventure begins with a two-mile run along the Headwaters Trail, followed by a 10-mile scenic pedal through Mantua and Hiram Townships. The third leg of the race features a five-mile paddle along the scenic Cuyahoga River back to Buchert Park where the adventure began.
As racers return, Triple Trail festivities begin at 9 am, and will feature something for everyone. The music lover won’t want to miss Steve Radcliff & Larnie Zellner delivering soulful acoustic country and sophisticated jazz grooves. Adding to the magic, Steve Vanderink honors the legendary sounds of John Denver, James Taylor, The Eagles, and America. DJ Nicole Nero will be playing all day, ensuring the music never stops. Food trucks, coffee vendors, and local breweries will be on hand to help keep you fueled throughout the festival.
Portage County artist Bill Starcher’s work will be on view as well. Starcher, a retired steel worker and woodworker, creates lifelike and whimsical works from recycled materials. Want to see a mermaid crafted from salvaged silverware? What about an alligator crafter from recycled motorcycle tires? Other works include a variety of dinosaurs, a Komodo dragon, and you may even catch a glimpse of Sasquatch himself! Unlike most art installations, Starcher encourages viewers to touch these sturdy, detailed pieces, and exhibits his work at local festivals, schools, and area businesses.
Nature lovers will have an opportunity to join in guided hikes along portions of the Buckeye Trail, the Headwaters Trail, and a Glacial Heritage hike at the Charles A. Tummonds State Nature Preserve. If the river is more your speed, you’ll have opportunities for guided paddles down the Cuyahoga River with Scenic Rivers, Portage Park District, and Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak. There will also be a guided bicycle trek along Headwaters Trail, too.
For the movement-seeker, the festival will feature its Second Annual CO-ED Sand Volleyball Tournament, cornhole, and pickleball. Healthy Hears Yoga and Wellness will be hosting Yoga on the Green sessions in the morning and afternoon, as well.
The Kids’ Zone is loaded with duck-themed fun for the whole family! There will be tattoos, games, races, and scavenger hunts, and a special visit from our Akron Rubber Ducks Mascot Webster. Don’t forget to adopt a duck for the Ducky Race. Adopt your duck to race in the river for a chance to win a cash prize.
For more information, visit tripletrailfest.com of check out the Facebook page.
