UPDATE- We are thrilled with reservations that have already been made! May 20 will be here before you know it, so the Parks Foundation has made it easy: register online for this first annual event in support of capital improvements and upgrades at Shelby Trails Park! CLICK: https://form.jotform.com/70535339362154
Deeded to the parks system in 2010 by Dr. Roger & Diane Shott of Anchorage, a 462-acre piece of land at 5063 Aiken Road in Simpsonville became Shelby Trails… and became a magnet for those wanting to hike, ride horses, and even receive riding lessons.
The property features 21 dedicated, groomed, hiking and horseback riding trials; a beautiful 32-stall barn; and an indoor and outdoor arena for year-round riding. However, Parks Consultant Clay Cottongim said improvements are needed so funds are needed as well.
Katie Crotzer is serving as committee chair for a fund-raising event called Boots & Bridles. The equestrian gala will take place Saturday, May 20 at historic Undulata Farm, 1600 Zaring Mill Road in Shelbyville. She said, “We appreciate the cooperation and generosity of ‘Hoppy’ Bennett, who with his brother, R.H., are well known in the horse community. Opening up his stable for our event will add a touch of horse and a touch of history.”
There will be a dinner, cocktails, live auction, silent auction and door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by J.D. Shelburne, who is called “Kentucky’s Country Rocker.” Shelburne’s website reports “Shelburne grew up on a tobacco farm in Taylorsville. At age 19, he found a guitar after the death of his grandmother and began learning to play and sing on his own. By his sophomore year of college, he had found a few gigs at some local bars in the Louisville/Lexington, area and developed a fan-base that eventually landed him on some of the biggest stages in the business, opening for some of the nation’s hottest stars…”
To make the event happen, Cottongim and members of the Shelby County Parks Foundation are looking for sponsors who will receive recognition at the event and on marketing materials… as well as passes to Shelby Trails Park. Individuals are also encouraged to make plans to attend with tickets costing $75 or a table of eight for $600.
Cottongim emphasized that all donations are tax-deductible since the Shelby County Parks Foundation has charitable status. For more information, contact Cottongim 502-437-5244 or 502-321-0612.
He said, “Thank you for being part of the commitment to make a rich, quality of life experienced through healthy, active, engaged neighborhoods… and the lasting legacy you will leave for Shelby County. See you on the Trails!”
Shelby County Parks Foundation 