Mine Kill Hosts Candlelight Walk

BLENHEIM - Last Saturday, Mine Kill State Park opened at dusk and invited anyone to walk their first annual candlelit loop under the full moon.

Dubbed the Candlelight Walk Event, Environmental Educator Hannah Young worked with the team at Mine Kill to create six hundred paper lanterns that lined their mid-level pavilion path.

In addition, several trees and buildings were spruced up with blinking Christmas trees and decorations, lending a feel of holiday magic to the trail.

Though admission was free, attendees were encouraged to bring a donation of food for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Food Drive, benefitting a food bank in Blenheim.

With three hundred fifty people interested on Facebook and having been featured on CBS 6 News, there were already twenty eight people waiting when they opened at 5:30 with over a whole box of donations.

Mrs. Young and her team hosted hot chocolate and tea, winter crafts, and holiday music at the pavilion, and couples and families alike were able to enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere for the next two hours.

“We really wanted to make the night feel magical,” said Mrs. Young, ecstatic about the success of the event. “We’re hoping to do this again next year.”

She also reminded everyone in attendance that the next Mine Kill gathering will be the First Day Hike on January 1st at 9 AM, where they’ll lead a guided three mile hike.

“Come on down, we’ve got free family events year-round,” concluded Mrs. Young.