Community members are invited to join in the celebration on Monday as Roan Mountain hosts a special ceremony marking their designation as an “Appalachian Trail Community.”

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), along with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, Appalachian Long Distance Hiking Association, Roan Mountain Citizens Club and the Carter County Tourism Council, invite the public to attend the official designation of Roan Mountain, as the newest Appalachian Trail Community. The celebration will be held on Monday, April 24, at 1:30 p.m. at Roan Mountain Community Park located at 118 Carter Street behind the Post Office.

“This is a momentous occasion for the people who work hard to make the Roan Mountain community a welcoming place for all travelers,” said Kayla Carter, Carter County Tourism Coordinator. “We look forward to the positive economic benefits this designation will bring to one the most beautiful locations our county has to offer.”

After ATC representatives and community leaders have had a chance to speak, the Roan Mountain Appalachian Trail Community signage will be revealed and a proclamation will be read. A reception with light refreshments will follow the presentation.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to celebrate Roan Mountain as an A.T. Community partner in Tennessee that is helping to protect and promote the Appalachian Trail,” said Julie Judkins, education and outreach director for the ATC. “These new partnerships increase local stewardship of public lands, support community initiatives for sustainable economic development and conservation planning and invite healthy lifestyles for community citizens.”

The Appalachian Trail Community program was created by the ATC to recognize communities that promote and care for the A.T. Working with a growing network of trailside community partners, the program supports communities that play a role in advocating the A.T. as a significant local and national asset and as an international icon. The program assists communities by generating awareness and stimulating outdoor recreation while preserving and protecting the A.T.

The designation ceremony is the first of two events to celebrate Roan Mountain’s new partnership with the ATC. The Roan Mountain Appalachian Trail Community Advisory Board is planning a community trail festival May 5-7. More details about the festival will be released in coming weeks.

For more information about the A.T. Community program, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/atcommunity