APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS
Applicant Name
Daniel T. Quinn
Applicant Organization
APPALACHIAN TRAIL HOUSE (Daniel T. Quinn)
Email Address
Phone Number
8024577396
Mailing Address
3195 BARNARD ROAD
APPALACHIAN TRAIL HOUSE
WOODSTOCK
VT
05091
Organization Website
(Pending)
Grant Request Summary
A grant to organize and establish a weekend conference entitled Appalachian Trail Days. The conference would promote local, national and international awareness and hiking activities on the Appalachian Trail System (and by extension, local hiking trails such as Mt. Peg and Mt. Tom).
For almost 30 years, (since 1992) I have operated a free hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. With an average count of 550-650 hikers per season (June through September) more than 12,000 hikers have stayed here, with an ancillary benefit of tens to thousands of dollars to Woodstock and the community. It has long been my goal to have a weekend conference in Woodstock, entitled Appalachian Trail Days. The conference would be supported (largely paid for) by the hiking industry and would benefit local businesses, hotels and restaurants, as well as promoting hiking and similar outdoor activities in the area. (Swimming. Biking. Kayaking. Camping. Etc.)
Project Budget
$25,000+
Desired Grant Amount
$25,000+
Other Funding Sources
Manufacturers and retail providers of hiking equipment, clothing and related merchandise.
Project Timeframe
2022
How will this project benefit the economic and community development of Woodstock?
For almost 30 years, (since 1992) I have operated a free hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. With an average count of 550-650 hikers per season (June through September) more than 12,000 hikers have stayed here, with an ancillary benefit over the years of tens (hundreds?) of thousands of dollars to Woodstock and the community. It has long been my goal to have a weekend conference in Woodstock, entitled Appalachian Trail Days. The conference would be supported (largely paid for) by the hiking industry and would benefit local businesses, hotels and restaurants, as well as promoting hiking and similar outdoor activities in the area. (Swimming. Biking. Kayaking. Camping. Etc.)
Further, the conference would introduce active members of the long distance hiking community to the beauty and benefits of the State of Vermont and Woodstock, in particular. Many hikers have fallen in love with Woodstock, just as I did in 1992, and many have longed to return.
I envision this conference as an annual event, held during "off peak" seasons to benefit local hotels and businesses. Ostensibly, late August to September when many hikers on the Appalachian Trail are coming through Woodstock on their 2200 mile journey from Maine to Georgia, or close enough to attend.
Which EDC Working Grouop Objectives does your project best support?
Marketing (Marketing Woodstock to attract more visitors and permanent residents), Attracting New Businesses (Attracting businesses to Woodstock), Events (Supporting the growth of events for visitors and the community), Other
Other Objectives
Explained in detail, above.
Project Collaborations
Not at this time.
Additional Comments
Properly undertaken and supported, this could easily and quickly become self sustaining and generate millions of dollars to Woodstock and the surrounding communities.