Volunteer Recognition Day in Delphi

For many people, Saturday, June 2, will be Volunteer Recognition Day in Delphi. For the nation and the public it is called National Trails Day. Dan McCain, Delphi Historic Trails chairman, says either description fits the gathering for the public and all of Delphi's trails volunteers and their families who have helped during the past year.

Volunteer activities have focused on Canal Park, trail maintenance, flower planting, and work on the impressive Stearns truss iron bridge restoration project.

For all the volunteers, a free lunch begins the festivities at 12 noon at the Canal Park Shelter House, 1030 North Washington Street, Delphi. The meal is provided by the local Psi Iota Xi sorority as they have done for many past workdays. After the volunteers eat, they and anyone interested in Delphi Historic Trails will observe the presentation of special recognition, certificates and clothing awards.

All canal and trails volunteers present will receive an Earth Team hat or shirt for their efforts. The Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service have sponsored these items.

Some volunteers have amassed hundreds of hours of service. Special recognition will also be given to the youth groups, Scouts and 4-Hers that have been involved with the trails during this past year.

Immediately after the ceremony, at 1 p.m., a narrated long hike will begin. A special treat along the easy walk will be a view of the site for placing the old wrought iron Stearns truss bridge behind Dairy Queen and observe the historic papermill site. Then the walk will progress south on the VanScoy Towpath to Sunset Point at the confluence of Deer Creek and the Wabash.

This year, focus of trail narration will be the 1839-40 Deer Creek dam and nearby Irish canal construction camp.