Persons attending the Bike and Trails Expo in Atlantic Monday night heard some exciting news with regard to a trail around the Lake Anita State Park. Wendy Wittrock, with the group “Friends of Lake Anita State Park,” said work is about to begin on paving the trail. Wittrock said the contractor is on site, and will be completing the paving of the trail, which will mean 3.3-miles of the trail will be paved altogether, with another seven-tenths of a mile on a roadway. Wittrock encourages everyone to bring their bikes to the Lake area soon, because “you’re really gonna like the new trail.”

Another trail under development is the “Little Mermaid Trail,” which will connect Elk Horn and Kimballton. Bob Mortensen, co-chair of the Little Mermaid Trail Committee, said their current project includes paving of the “Friendship Walk,” which leads from the Bedstemor’s House in Elk Horn, to the Danish Immigrant Museum. Mortensen said they’ll be opening bids for the project this week. He says as part of the fundraising effort for the project, on Monday, May 7th, they will hold an all-you can eat mexican taco bar, for your free will donation. He says “You’ll have to go see the Mermaid for the margaritas.” The cost of the drinks are extra. For more information, go to www.danishvillages.com.

And, Debbie Copic, Chairperson of the 4th Annual “Tour de Tivoli” bike ride May 27th (Memorial Day weekend), announced that there will be two routes this year for that event. The standard route is 26-miles, and will pass by Prairie Rose State Park onto Highway 44 into Kimballton. The longer route is 50-miles, and includes a loop to Hamlin on the T-Bone Trail into Exira and then into Elk Horn. The event coincides with the Annual Tivoli Fest celebration, May 27th and 28th.

The pre-registration deadline for a one-of-a-kind jersey, or t-shirt on the day of the ride, is this Friday, April 27th. For more information, call Deb Copic at 712-249-7257, or e-mail debbiecopic@gmail.com. The registration fee prior is $20 for the ride alone, or $30, which includes a t-shirt, SAG stations & refreshments, chances to win door prizes, and a meal, along with free entertainment at the Danish Windmill. $60 registers you for the ride, and includes the jersey, which features the 2012 Tivoli Fest logo and theme, “A Burst of Tivoli Fest.” The jersey will cost $65 on the day of ride.