Benefit bike ride for rehab draws 125 from around area

About 125 bicyclists of all ages participated in Pedaling for Hope early Saturday.

The event is held each year to raise money for the Regional Rehab Center in Tupelo and the New Albany Main Street Association.

The rehab center provides a variety of rehabilitation services to children and adults from areas including Union County. They do so at no cost to patients and insurance is not billed.

Participants were able to choose from three different distance courses: 25, 50 and 100 km.

Upon their return, they were able to enjoy Mexican food and drink at the Tanglefoot Trail welcome center.

A feature at the same time was professional storyteller Anne McKee of Meridian, who told youngsters about the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes who lived in this area and other parts of the state.

The events were part of the three-day FreedomFest celebration organized by the New Albany Community Development Office.