Sept. 2, 2013. The Mast General Store in Boone, Asheville, Hendersonville as well as the original store and annex in Valle Crucis are all celebrating Friends’ Day in honor of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation (BRPF) on Saturday, Sept. 14. Ten percent of the North Carolina locations of the Mast General Store’s sales on Friends’ Day will go to this invaluable organization that works to preserve the past, enhance the present and safeguard the future of America’s Favorite Scenic Drive.
Mast Store is proud to welcome Patagonia as a Friends’ Day partner. As a company, they are supportive of groups that are working to preserve our environment and beautiful places for future generations to enjoy. They will be contributing funds for each Patagonia Footwear and Clothing item purchased between Sept. 1 and 14 to support the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.
Foundation stewards, including contributors to last year’s Friends’ Day, helped fund projects focusing on education, historic and natural resources, as well as visitor enrichment, amenities and safety. Among the many initiatives, the BRPF celebrated the grand opening of the Julian Price Memorial Park and Picnic Area TRACK trail at milepost 296 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, for the Kids in Parks program in August. The Kids in Parks program is designed to get kids and families unplugged, outdoors and connected to nature for both their health and the health of our parks.
The program has expanded rapidly since opening its first family-friendly trail, called TRACK trails, in the fall of 2009, growing from an initial trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway into a network of more than 60 trails in five states (NC, VA, SD, MD, WV) and in Washington, DC. The goal of the program is to connect with a new generation of park stewards while at the same time improving the overall health and wellness of those who participate. The BRPF is excited to see an increase of children and their parents on the new TRACK trails at Altapass, finished in 2012, and at Julian Price Memorial Park this year.
Representatives from the BRPF will be on hand at Mast Stores in North Carolina except Waynesville on Saturday, Sept. 14. THey will share information about projects the Foundation is currently undertaking to preserve the character of America’s favorite 469-mile stretch of road. You will also learn about the many ways you can support the Foundation. Find out more about the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation by visiting their website www.brpfoundation.org and more about Friends’ Day at www.mastgeneralstore.com.
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