PUBLISHED Oct. 6, 2016
Hikers, horseback riders sought to take part in 19th annual Mystery Map event
By LOIS KINDLE
The Friends of the Little Manatee River State Park are making the 2016 presidential election its theme for the 19th annual Mystery Map event Oct. 15.
“No matter if you ride a donkey or an elephant, we all have a horse in this race,” said Brian Ruddeforth, Friends treasurer. “So ride or hike for fun along our special campaign trail as we lampoon the political game.”
The outdoor event for hikers and riders of all ages involves following a trail map marked with 15 different stopping points where participants can compete in fun activities related in some way to the American presidency. There are separate trails for hiking and horseback riding.
Everyone’s journey is timed, and the top three hikers and riders who come closest to the time it took a mystery rider to complete the trails win prizes.
Registration is from 8 to 11 a.m., and the first participant on each trail starts at 8:15. The last hiker or rider leaves at 11 a.m. and must be back at the event area by 1:30 p.m. to be eligible for a prize. Awards will be made at 2 p.m.
The entry fee for the Mystery Map Event is $25 per person, which includes lunch and a beverage. Additional lunches for $6 each will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those simply partaking in the event’s additional activities.
There is no park entry fee for anyone entering the event gate, which is just west of the main park gate at 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma.
Visitors are welcome to the park’s event area to enjoy lunch, live country-folk music by J. D. and Zetha Lewis, vendor displays, silent auction and a free costume contest for kids, adults and horses at 1:45 p.m. sponsored by Lazy Days RV. Any costume is eligible to win a prize.
Riders must bring their own horses and provide proof of negative Coggins to show the horse is free of equine infectious anemia. Those who’d like to ride in the event but don’t own a horse can rent one by calling Wolfe’s Born to Ride at 941-812-1980.
“The Mystery Map Event is held by the Friends of the Little Manatee River State Park to support park projects that aren’t covered by the state’s budget,” said Cathy Moore, event chairwoman and former Friends president. “We want people to show their families and friends what ‘the real’ Florida is like and for them to enjoy some quality time together outdoors.”
Past projects supported by the Friends have included expenses for programs like Park After Dark; new tires and batteries for the park’s assorted vehicles; office air conditioner and computers for its rangers; new camping spaces and more. Last year’s event raised close to $2,000.
Park representatives appreciate the help.
“There are many things we couldn’t do without the support of our Friends (members),” said Kate Smithson, park services specialist. “We are grateful for everything they do for us.”
The 19th Annual Mystery Map Event is sponsored by ACE Hardware Feed & Marine of Riverview, Florida State Parks and the Friends of the Little Manatee River State Park.
For additional information, call Moore at 813-677-9291 or visit friendsofthelittlemanatee.org.
Special needs requests can be made at 813-671-5005.
To RSVP for lunch, email jneveridge@gmail.com or call 813-634-8716.