This year’s Twilight on the Trail fund-raiser and (semi) gala, is set for Nov. 3 at the Four Seasons. Photo courtesy The Trail Foundation.

I plod down its gravel expanse every weekend, and wheel a bike along its curves and bridges at least a couple of times a week.

Like many folks who live in Austin, I think of the Butler Hike and Bike Trail as an extension of my backyard. I stop on the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge to admire a sunset, look down the tunnel of green when I’m running alongside Barton Creek and use it as a vantage point to take in incredible views of the ever-changing Austin skyline.

I’m not alone. The trail gets more than 2.6 million visits every year.

On Nov. 3, The Trail Foundation will celebrate its work in protecting, maintaining and enhancing that trail at the Twilight on the Trail celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Not familiar with the foundation’s work? Credit them for creation of the boardwalk underneath Interstate 35, the observation deck below the Ann Richards-Congress Avenue Bridge and native plantings all along the 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake. Now in its 16^thyear, the organization needs funds for its next round of projects, including improvements at Drake Bridge (First Street), a new trailhead at Rainey Street and a restroom at Festival Beach.

That’s what the Nov. 3 event is all about. Dress is trail style – dresses or suits on top and running shoes on the bottom. (I stepped out in a dress and sneakers last year.) The party begins on the lawn behind the hotel and moves into the ballroom for dinner, drinks and entertainment.

The event is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 at The Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Boulevard. Tables and a limited number of individual tickets are on sale at https://thetrailfoundation.org/twilight-on-the-trail/ .

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