For immediate release: May 17, 2011
Contact: Megan Peek (802) 764-4858

Brattleboro, VT – More than 100 hikers of all ages participated in a 3.5-mile climb on May 7th to celebrate physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

 The hikers participated in the eleventh annual Mountain Day, an event initiated in 2001 to reinforce the importance of physical activity in maintaining good health. Mountain Day, held annually in May at Mount Wantastiquet, is organized and sponsored by the Windham County Community Advisory Board of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont.

 “Once again we were thrilled to see so many folks who have been joining us year after year as well as so many new faces!  What began as an effort to promote physical activity has grown into an annual celebration that attracts dozens for a gorgeous spring-time hike,” said Corwin “Corky” Elwell, of Brattleboro, who chairs the Advisory Board.

“Many of them look forward to it as a family tradition to celebrate both Mother’s Day and spring in the Brattleboro area.”

Mountain Day offered two alternatives for participants; while many chose to climb Mt. Wantastiquet, where they were rewarded with sweeping views, others took advantage of a less rigorous riverside walk.  There were also two installations of StoryWalk this year that offered children and their families the chance to follow a story while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.  There were free T-shirts and juice popsicles for participants.  The hikers enjoyed a free picnic of sandwiches, trail mix, water and apples – thanks to Subways and Leader Beverage for their donations. 

Mountain Day is one of several projects led by community members to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles in the Brattleboro area.  The event provides a perfect opportunity to get out and be active with family and friends, while enjoying Vermont’s long-awaited spring.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, providing coverage for about 150,000 Vermonters.  It employs more than 340 people at its headquarters in Berlin and branch office in South Burlington, and offers group and individual health plans to Vermonters.   More information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is available on the Internet at www.bcbsvt.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent corporation operating under a license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.