The Gays Mills Stump Dodger Trailblazers and their fans are getting ready to sing, and J&J on Main is hosting a karaoke party Saturday, Aug. 13, to help raise funds for developing the Stump Dodger Trail. Singers pay to sing, or to have others sing. And, some lucky singers will be able to take home hand-painted walking sticks decorated by North Crawford High  School art students.

Development is proceeding on the south leg, where the first workday was held Saturday, April 30. This portion begins in Robb Park, and continues on through Lions Park, past the swimming pool, through the Stump Dodger Campground, and into the Kickapoo Bottoms.

The trail's north leg, beginning at the Applewood Business Park on Highway 131 and running to Highway  B, is nearing completion and, according to Ritch Stevenson, it's already being enthusiastically embraced by members the BAPI Wellness Committee.

Half of the trail's $90,000 cost will be covered through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The rest is being raised must be raised by the village, half in actual dollars and half in donated materials and services.

"We need to raise $22,500, and almost $10,000 has already been raised or pledged," said trail committee co-chair Rachel Jovi. "So, some fun fundraisers are planned, like the karaoke party, an apple race during AppleFest weekend, a haunted house in late October, and other activities."

"We're hosting the karaoke night because we love to be involved in community events like this," said karaoke host Justina Dickman. The fun begins at 7 p.m. at J & J on Main, 312 Main Street, and is open to community members of all ages.