By Art Hunter

The second annual “Rock and Roast” fund-raiser to support the Williamsburg-Batavia Hike/Bike trail will be held Saturday, Jan. 19.

The “Rock and Roast” will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. at the UC Clermont College Student Activity Center, and will feature dinner, music, and a silent auction.

Williamsburg Mayor Mary Ann Lefker says that more than $6,000 was raised at last year’s inaugural “Rock and Roast” fund-raiser, and that this money is very important to the project.

“This money really is a big help. Every grant requires some sort of local matching money or in-kind work,” Lefker said. “When I see how much has gotten done by sheer willpower and local support, it is a little mind-boggling.”

The first phase of the project, or about two miles of the 15-mile trail, has been completed. The second phase, which will connect the the trail with the East Fork State Park campground, should be completed this spring.

“Our goal has always been to get campers and park visitors into Williamsburg,” Lefker said. “This project will make it possible for park visitors to hike or ride into the village where they can shop, and head back for a family campout.”

When complete, the Hike/Bike trail will connect Williamsburg with the village of Batavia.

The trail project is a collaboration between the village of Williamsburg, Batavia Township, the village of Batavia, Williamsburg Township, the Clermont County Park District, East Fork State Park, the Army Corps of Engineers, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, the Clermont County Engineer’s Office, Clermont County Commissioners, the Clermont County YMCA and University of Cincinnati Clermont College.

“This is a very doable project,” Lefker said. “What we’re really doing is just reclaiming some of what was lost when the lake went in. And it really is a beautiful path.”

Tickets for this event are $20 each or $200 for a table sponsorship with recognition.

For tickets or more information, call the village of Williamsburg at (513) 724-6107. Information about the Hike/Bike trail is available online at www.parks.clermontcountyohio.gov/wbbiketrail.aspx.