Walk the Villages ... with a group
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Walk the Villages gives participants the opportunity to see the businesses and architectural styles central to their communities.

But for those interested in what their village has to offer historically, the Walk the Villages Group Walk might be more relevant.

The group walk will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12. Walkers will meet in front of the Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville.

"Normally under the program from June 1 to Oct. 1, participants can walk at their own pace," said Susan Klepadio, Williamsville coordinator of Walk the Villages. "The guided tour allows an opportunity to gain entry to certain spots that you wouldn't see if you were by yourself."

For example, the guided tour will allow participants to view the historical train depot and Lehigh Memorial Trail.

There is no cost for the group walk and no limit on the number of walkers.

Participants will receive a gift bag with a village map, directory and discount coupon book.

During the guided tour, village businesses and Villages ... with a group

historical sites will be highlighted, and participants can take part in a trivia contest.

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant. In addition to the train station and memorial trail, special stops will be made at Village Artisans and Sarah's Vintage and Estate Jewelry.

The tour will end at Di Camillo Bakery, 5329 Main St., at South Long Street where light refreshments will be served.

According to Klepadio, the tour should last about an hour.

Participants can still win prizes by picking up a coupon book and getting it stamped by village businesses. Coupon books are available at The Wine Room, 5651 Main St., at Mill Street; Village Hall, 5565 Main St.; Jenny's Ice Cream, 78 E. Spring St., near Main Street; Hampton Inn, 5455 Main St., at Los Robles Street; Di Camillo Bakery; and Pizza Plant Italian Deli & Pub, 5110 Main St., in the Walker Center.

For more information on Walk the Villages, visit the Williamsville Business Association online at www. willvill. com.

e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com