Volkswalk scheduled for Ada village this weekend

MLive.com (Michigan Live)
August 05, 2009

By Jan Holst

Volkswagen, if translated literally, is "the people’s car." So says
Don Vartanian, who is bringing Volkssport, or the people’s sport, and
a Volkswalk to Ada.

The sport, which is traditional in Europe, is coming to Ada Township
this weekend. The people’s walk is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
Sunday, Aug. 9, and is free and open to the public. The starting point
for the walk is the shelter across from the Township Park offices at
Ada Park.

Stopping or checkpoints include the Covered Bridge, Red Barn at
Averill Museum and O’Brien’s Market and Deli, on Fulton Street. All
ages are welcome, but organizers request that children under 12 be
accompanied by an adult. "Walkers will need to cross some streets and
we need to make sure everyone is safe," said Vartanian, who operates
Volksmarches from offices in Dearborn Heights and Indiana.

Event volunteers will be at checkpoints and free refreshments and
water will be given to participants. Walkers are welcome to complete
the 5K or 10 K walk at their leisure and may build in a lunch or ice
cream stop at O’Brien’s or one of the many village eateries, said
Vartanian.

"The idea is to have a fun, physical, and educational experience," he
said. "Most people need a reason to get out and walk every so
often. These events are basically low cost entertainment."

The sport of walking through communities can catch on and Vartanian
expects some club walkers to drive from out-of-town or state to attend
the Ada event. "We have one group that is trying to walk 12 trails
that have covered bridges, and if they complete this one, they will
get credit for a covered bridge walk," he said.

The local landmark is one reason the group chose Ada for a people’s
walk. But getting veteran walkers to come to town is not the goal, he
said. "The real purpose is to introduce our sport to area residents."

New community walks generally draw from 30 to 50 people, but "there
really is no telling how many will come out," he said.

Those wishing to participate may start at anytime after 11 a.m. and
choose from the two trail options. The local museum will be open and
free to walkers. Contact Ada Park offices, 676-0520 or the American
Volkssport Association at for more information.

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