The Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trails Association (SKMHTA), a social organization of horse enthusiasts with interest in improving and maintaining horse trails and camp grounds within the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest, has announced that it will be holding a fundraising event this Saturday.

According to information released by the group, the event will be held at the Horserider’s Campground, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit, W830 Little Prairie Rd. The facility is located one mile south of the town of Palmyra.

The event is slated to begin at 10 a.m. and an “event checkin” area will be provided.

The organization noted on its Facebook page that the annual fall event is anticipated to be the “biggest and best” fundraiser held by the group.

“SKMHTA truly appreciates and is incredibly grateful for our many gold sponsors, members, volunteers, and followers. This fundraiser is so important to all of us and ensures that we can continue to preserve and maintain the beautiful Southern Kettle Moraine trails we all know and love,” group officials stated in the release. 

According to the group’s website, in 2022, it earned some $5,600 during its fundraiser for use in promoting, maintaining and improving equestrian trails.

During the upcoming event on Saturday, participants will find live and silent auctions, along with raffle prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Entry into the 50/50 raffle costs $10.

The cost of tickets to participate in raffles for prizes is as follows: one ticket for $1, seven tickets for $5, 15 tickets for $10 and a “wingspan,” which includes 40 tickets, for $20. 

Auctions are slated to begin at 6 p.m.

According to the release, raffle tickets will remain available for sale until 6 p.m.

The winner of the 50/50 raffle will be announced following the auctions.

The event also will host several tables of items offered for sale, including horseback riding tack, baked goods, and articles of clothing, including both short and long-sleeved t-shirts, hoodies and “trail hankies.” 

Additionally, live entertainment will be provided by Katie Jo Earle, a singer whose repertoire includes myriad covers, featuring country music favorites. The performance is slated to begin at 3 p.m.

Further, the release notes, those interested in joining the group or renewing their membership may do so at the event. Memberships will extend through 2024.

The organization reminds those interested in attending Saturday’s event that a seasonal or day pass vehicle admission sticker from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is required to visit facilities within the statewide park system.

According to information on the department’s website, stickers may be purchased online through the following link: https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi. They also may be obtained at individual properties using the drive-up window service or electronic sales kiosks or self-registration stations. 

Information, as supplied by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, regarding the purchase of vehicle registration passes, including their associated costs, is here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission#:~:text=Buy%20at%20a%20DNR%20service,at%20open%20DNR%20service%20centers.

SKMHTA, according to its website, was established in 2003 and helps to promote, preserve, maintain and improve some 54 miles of equestrian trails in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.

To learn more about the horse trails association, visit its website: http://www.skmhta.com/.

To contact the headquarters of the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit, S91 W39091 State Road 59, Eagle, call: 262-594-6200.