Van Harden, Des Moines radio personality and former KDLS employee, will be a guest speaker at a Raccoon River Valley Trail membership banquet later this month.
When Raccoon Valley Radio caught up with him, Harden expressed a great deal of excitement in the evening. Harden says he doesn’t speak often these days due to family commitments, but he said that his personal relationship with Chuck Offenburger and his strong ties to the Raccoon River Valley Trial made this appearance one worth making.
When asked about what topics he would cover, Harden said he doesn’t necessarily write his speeches in advance. “I’m just kind of a story teller,” admits Harden, “And sometimes I don’t even do that much planning of what I tell; things just pop up. But I do want to talk a little bit about growing up in Adel and the Raccoon River Trail.”
It promises to be a night full of reminiscing for the Adel native who still lives in his hometown and still uses the trail system that he grew up with. “Even if I’m just out for a walk in Adel, that’s usually where I go,” says Harden. Harden said growing up in Adel that the trail was where you would meet your friends and often led to some interesting times. “That Raccoon River Trail is a pretty good place for conversation.”
Harden says he feels that the trail has evolved with the communities, and notes that the expansion of the trail has been wonderful for all the communities that have been linked. He even referred to the Raccoon River Valley Trail as a “big part of a bigger picture.”
You can hear Van Harden speak at the 6th annual membership banquet for the Raccoon River Valley Trail at the Lake Panorama National Resort and Conference Center on Saturday, February 16th. Social hour starts at 6 PM and the $40 tickets include a full banquet meal. Harden assures that the money raised will help the cause of improving the Raccoon River Valley Trail, and points out that upkeep is important.
To purchase tickets or find out more information call 515-386-5488 or online at www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org
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