A ribbon cutting and dedication to celebrate the grand opening of the first five miles of the Casey Jones Trail in Pipestone County will be held on Thursday, July 10.

The dedication will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the intersection of highways 75 and 23 northeast of Pipestone, adjacent to the Farmer's Elevator Company. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 4:45 p.m., with the trail opening to the public at 5:00 p.m. A pork loin barbeque community picnic will be held from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Mike Salmon, Department of Natural Resources Trails and Waterways supervisor at Windom, said completion of the paving is the first phase of what could become a comprehensive trail development effort in the area.

"The current five-mile section includes a 10-foot wide paved trail with an eight-foot wide mowed horse trail next to it," Salmon said. "We're excited about having this wonderful new recreational opportunity in the area. We encourage people to bring their bikes, in-line skates, and walking and running shoes to the event to try out the new trail."

Trail funding was provided by a $1.2 million grant from the Environmental Trust Fund, administered by the Legislative and Citizen Commission for Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).

The celebration is a cooperative effort among the DNR, Friends of the Casey Jones Trail Association, the city of Pipestone and the Pipestone Chamber of Commerce.