SR1925 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1925 LRB099 21943 MST 48951 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, 50 years ago, in 1966, a tradition began among family and friends in Southern Illinois after planting had been completed and before harvest time rolled around, when they would gather to camp and ride horses throughout all of the trails in the area; and

WHEREAS, This family-oriented tradition has continued and today, over 1,500 campers and 1,700 visitors attend the event every year with more and more people participating; the tradition has spread to horseback trail riders throughout the southern region of Illinois and the neighboring states; and

WHEREAS, This all volunteer event is conducted on private ground in Pope County owned by the Francis Family, with trail riding in the adjoining beauty of the Shawnee National Forest managed by the United States Forest Service; and

WHEREAS, This tradition, now known as the Nine-Day Trail Ride, has become an important event for the citizens of Southern Illinois; various saddle clubs across the region have come together to form the Associated Saddle Clubs of Illinois in order to support the event; and

WHEREAS, The organizers of the Nine-Day Trail Ride in the Shawnee National Forest enjoy a great working relationship with many governmental entities that support the recreational opportunities offered by the event, entities that include the United States Forest Service, the Southeastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, the Pope County Sheriff's Department, the Hardin County Sheriff's Department, and the Pope County Ambulance Association; and

WHEREAS, The Nine-Day Trail Ride annually contributes to charitable organizations, including Wounded Warriors, the American Cancer Society, and St. Jude Children's Hospital, by organizing annual charity rides, auctions, and fundraisers, where many items are donated by local businesses and organizations throughout Southern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Nine-Day Trail Ride draws thousands of visitors every year to enjoy the recreational opportunities offered by the Shawnee National Forest and the Nine-Day Trail Ride Association, resulting in a significant boost to the surrounding areas; and

WHEREAS, The Nine-Day Trail Ride in the Shawnee National Forest is being celebrated from the last weekend of July through the first weekend of August of 2016; it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Nine-Day Trail Ride; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Associated Saddle Clubs of Southern Illinois and all of its members for its continued support of the Nine-Day Trail Ride and in honor of the 50th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare July 30, 2016 as "Nine-Day Trail Ride Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Associated Saddle Clubs of Southern Illinois as an expression of our appreciation for its continued support of a long-standing tradition in one of Illinois' most beautiful natural treasures.