BILLINGS — Billings TrailNet hosted its annual Ales for Trails fundraiser to raise money for the nonprofit's newest project, the Skyline Trail.
"This is our 19th year of Ales for Trails," said Billings TrailNet Executive Director Kristi Drake. "And it's such a great event. It really benefits the entire community because trails effect everyone."
The fundraiser hosted 50 local and regional microbreweries at ZooMontana. People enjoyed the zoo grounds and listened to some live music by Arterial Drive and Daniel Kosel.
Over the past 19 years, Drake said Billings TrailNet has been able to raise over $800,000 for the trail system through Ales for Trails. Billings TrailNet has donated more than $500,000 to 18 different trails in Billings.
The project TrailNet is working on now is the construction of the Skyline Trail.
The Skyline Trail will fully connect Swords Park and Zimmerman park. The section that needs to be built will go from the Zimmerman Park entrance to the top of Zimmerman Trail Road.
Drake said some large donors have stepped up to help pay for the $3 million project.
"The Billings Association of Realtors just gave us a $38,000 check because Realtors know that people want to live near a trail," Drake said.
Drake added TrailNet has also received donations from private parties, Big Sky Economic Development, the Billings Chamber of Commerce and Billings Clinic.
If you would like to donate or volunteer with Billings TrailNet, visit their website here.
