Intrepid bunch embrace return of Tails & Trails

By Sarah Wright
Staff Writer

LEISURELY STROLL — Crystal and Joe Slayton joined the Tails & Trails walk with their dog Winston. The event saw quite a few families turn out. Photo provided.

More than 20 people and nine dogs attended Tails & Trails Saturday, Nov. 14, despite the rather brisk temperatures.

Together, they enjoyed a walk, complete with a midpoint treat for both canines and their human caretakers.

After the walk, attendees were able to chow down on soup and other menu items at the Shawnanigans Food Truck, participate in a raffle at the Syracuse Community Center, listen to live music by Fawcett Music and browse artist Elizabeth Wamsley’s booth. Four dogs also posed for photographer Lexi Carter in Lakeside Park’s gazebo.

“Local businesses really got behind the event. That was very awesome to see,” Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Executive Director Erlene Yentes said, noting 16 raffle items were donated by 13 local businesses.

Those businesses include Yours, Ours and Mine LLC; Absolutely Apparel and Gifts; More Affordable Furniture; Kay Young; The Gift Shop at Wawasee; Bales Butcher Shop; Syracuse Hardware Inc.; Dynamic Floral; Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware; Coffee Depot; Jerky Jerks; Adventures in Health; and Discount Emporium.

The event was also supported by several volunteers, including Ben Bingham; Matthew Bochard; Becky Brower; Tom Edington; Sylvia Gargett; and Kay Young.

“Thanks to everyone who braved the cold to support this event,” Yentes said. “Special thanks also have to go to the Syracuse Community Center for hosting the event.”

This year marked the return of the annual event after it took a break in 2019 while the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee sought a new executive director. This year’s event was sponsored by gold bone level sponsors — The Underground Hound, Lakeland Animal Clinic, Kay Young, Todd Realty, Crossroads Bank and Maverick Promotions — and silver bone level sponsors — Erlene Yentes and Becky Brower.