The time has arrived for the seventh annual St. Jude’s Trail ride hosted by the Covington Cowgirls Drill Team. The ride, which set for Sat., March 20, beginning at 10 a.m., is at a new location this year, the Geneva State Forest.

“We will meet at the lake and sign up,” said Tricia Courson, drill team director. “The first 20 get T-shirts and there will also be drawings for door prizes throughout the day.”

To get to the location from Andalusia, go to Opp and take Highway 52 to Highway 54. After making the turn onto Highway 54, travel to the bridge and take the first dirt road to the right after crossing the bridge. Then go about two miles to Lake Road located on the right.

A donation of $10 per person is suggested for participation in the ride. Riders return to the camp for lunch and then the afternoon trail ride begins at 1 p.m. Participants have the option of riding in the morning or afternoon or both times.

People need to bring a sack lunch, Courson said. Supper is provided by the drill team.

“At 6 p.m. riders come back to camp for a supper,” Courson said. “This is a great event for families, and people can join us after the ride for the cookout. All we ask is they make a donation for St. Jude’s.”

All of the donations go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and past trail rides were successful – usually bringing out more than 200 riders, Courson said, and raising an average of $1,500 to as much as $2,500 for St. Jude’s.

Those who want to support this event but are not interested in participating in the trail ride can make donations by contacting Courson or other drill team members.

“We certainly welcome any donations people would like to make to help St. Jude’s,” Courson said.

The drill team also hosts a Veterans’ Day Trail Ride in the fall that benefits local special needs classes.

“The proceeds from everything we do stay right here in Covington County with the exception of the St. Judes Trail Ride,” Courson said.

Courson said she expects this year’s event to be as successful as past rides.

“We have such wonderful support for all of our events,” she said. “That support allows us to help not only St. Judes’ through this trail ride, but also other worthwhile causes with our other events.”

For more information or to make a donation, contact Tricia Courson at 334-222-8079, Donna Jones at 334-493-6730 or Donna Moseley at 334-493-4138.

“I know every one will enjoy the day in an Alabama forest because it is so beautiful this time of year,” Courson said. “We look forward to a great day of fun that supports a worthwhile cause.”