ROCKINGHAM, Vt. – The Town of Rockingham and Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance (BFDDA) “Walk the Rock,” Bellows Falls town and trail promotion launched this month with local hikers, visitors, and urban adventurers discovering some of the area’s hidden gems and earning a collection of prizes while they explore. Driven by a map featuring five trails around downtown Bellows Falls and highlighting some of the town’s views and retailers, hikers are offered two ways to play: hiking designated trails and collecting stickers to win a stainless-steel water bottle, and filling a passport with signatures from local retailers to receive a gift certificate.
“We’ve already had several people collect all of their stickers and claim their water bottle, while others have told me that they are making progress on the passport,” said Betsy Thurston, Executive Director of BFDDA. “Rockingham Development and Bellows Falls Downtown are proud to present this program, which adds wayfinding in Bellows Falls, and integrates our trails system to connect with downtown merchants who offer everything from food and drink for both two and four-legged creatures, gems, gifts, clothing, antiques, books, and arcade games.”
To participate, “selfies” are snapped at the appropriate spot on each of the five trails. The photos are then presented to one of 21 participating retailers, to be rewarded with a custom sticker for that trail. When all five stickers are collected, folks earn a branded “Walk the Rock” stainless steel water bottle. In addition, when explorers engage in the passport portion of the map and gain a signature from all 21 businesses, they will earn a $10 gift certificate to the participating business of their choice. Trail seekers are also encouraged to post photos on social media with a #WalkTheRock tag to qualify for a drawing for additional special prizes.
“It has been fun to hear from every participant that they have discovered something new about Bellows Falls. Every trail has its own treasures, but we are excited to introduce places like the Riverfront Trail to visitors and residents who are still discovering the Labyrinth and Poet’s Seat. And the Island Trail, which offers a reflection of the past, giving us an appreciation of who came before us,” said Thurston. “And there will be even more to explore as trails continue to evolve with new bridges, a town-owned train station, and the Area Wide Plan that supports and encourages new development.”
The project is funded by a Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) community grant to develop connectivity among trails in and around the town of Rockingham, and develop an economic development plan that will support local businesses while promoting the quality of life that comes with outdoor recreational opportunities. It also highlights numerous efforts by organizations like Windham County Trail Alliance (WCoTA), Windham Hill Pinnacle Association, Saxtons River Valley Trails Initiative (SVTI), and Bellows Falls Historical Society, among others, who have planned, built, worked to fund, promote, and maintain the trails.
Rockingham Development and BFDDA worked with Creative Catalyst Communications, a South Newfane marketing and communications firm specializing in community and economic development, to develop the concept and materials for Walk the Rock. “Everybody loves a treasure hunt,” said co-founder Maia Segura. “And what a terrific way to create a win for business owners, visitors, and locals alike, while highlighting the work of some terrific organizations that have put so much care into the trails. It’s community partnerships and placemaking at their finest.”
In addition to the launch event, maps will be available at town hall, Rockingham Free Public Library, welcome center, and all participating businesses. Prizes available while supplies last. For more information about “Walk the Rock,” see www.rockinghamvt.org/walktherock.