This month isn’t just October, it’s Walk-Tober — a chance for Poplar Bluff to enjoy the autumn air, win prizes and discover local history.
The Butler County Community Resource Council has partnered with the Poplar Bluff Parks & Recreation Department and the Poplar Bluff Museum to offer three programs for walkers.
“The goal is to get our community moving and promote health and wellness,” said Abby Hanner, prevention director at CRC.
The first option is a free Walking Competition open to all. Contestants can track their miles walked through Strava or another fitness app, and the top three walkers will receive gift cards to Academy Sports: $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third.
The gift cards are provided by CRC.
Those looking for a social way to exercise are invited to join the twice-weekly Walking Groups club.
“Walking groups promote health and wellness through physical activity and getting to meet new people in our community,” Hanner explained.
Each group meets for 30 minutes for guided walks. Locations, times and registration are available at thecrc.org
Finally, weekend walks will take participants back in time.
Kati Ray, director of the Poplar Bluff Museum, is leading eight Downtown Historic Walking Tours. Each one will explore the lives, deaths and dramas of the people who created the city’s “fascinating” local history.
“Butler County Community Resource Council decided the public might enjoy historical walking tours,” explained Ray. “It is a great way to get people walking. They reached out to local historians and the Poplar Bluff Museum was thrilled to participate.”
Downtown Historic Walks begin Saturday, Oct. 7 and continue each weekend this month, culminating in a cemetery walk on Oct. 28.
Each Saturday has two tours:
• Downtown North Tour — 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
• Downtown West Tour — 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14
• Tornado of 1927 Tour — 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Oct. 21
• Cemetery Tour — 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Oct. 28
These tours are free, but space is limited so registration is required. Sign-ups and more information are available by visiting thecrc.org and by calling 573-776-7830 ext. 115.