Organizers of the Fourth Annual Summer Solstice Festival are expecting a record turnout on June 20, from noon to 4 p.m., on the Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail in Bethlehem and Voorheesville.

This fall, the first stage — from the Port of Albany to the Delaware Avenue Bridge — of a pedestrian and bicycle trail on the former D& H rail line is expected to open; the trail will eventually run nine miles from the port to Voorheesville.

New this year, a two-hour Hike-a-Thon will be held from 10 a.m. until noon during the festival.  Five guided hikes will take place simultaneously on the rail trail and at four Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy preserves.

The Fourth Annual Summer Solstice Festival will be held along a one-mile stretch of the Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail between Adams Street in Delmar and the Firefighters’ Park in Slingerlands, as well as at the village of Voorheesville trailhead.  The festival can be accessed at four points: the intersection of Gardner Terrace and Hudson Avenue in Delmar; the intersection of Adams Street and Hudson Avenue in Delmar; Firefighters’ Park in Slingerlands; and the intersection of Voorheesville Avenue and Grove Street in Voorheesville. 

“The rail trail project will have a major impact on recreation and transportation in Albany County and beyond,” said Mark King, executive director of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, in a release from the conservancy. “Through collaboration between community volunteers, municipalities, and organizations, the rail trail could be a centerpiece of an extensive trail system throughout the Capital District, providing great opportunities for exercise, tourism, and a fun way to reach destinations.”

Albany County acquired the rail trail with assistance from Scenic Hudson and the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.  The county is operating and developing the rail trail with the cooperation of the conservancy and its Friends of the Rail Trail committee, the towns of Bethlehem and New Scotland, and the village of Voorheesville.

The annual festival brings together community members and local organizations to kick off the summer with food, performances, and exhibitions. Last year, more than 1,000 people attended and more than 50 vendors, exhibitors, and performers participated, according to Lea Montalto-Rook, development director for the conservancy. 

“This trail is special to this community. It was once a vital link for the railroad, and now it brings people together in different ways, from a simple, relaxing walk in the woods to valuable time with family,” said Donna Liquori, this year’s chairwoman for the festival, in the release. “The Summer Solstice Festival also helps to build and connect communities, and positively impact the local economy.”

For more information visit www.solsticecelebration.org/.