Purple Iris Foundation Hike Thru Bangor City Forest Sunday

Jimmy's Wilderness Trek will be held on Sunday in the Bangor City Forest, to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.

It's such a cool name, I had to ask Purple Iris Foundation founder, Chris Parrish, what it meant. She told me of a local resident named Jimmy who fought a courageous battle with the disease. She said he loved the outdoors, and his passion inspired the organization to start planning outdoor adventures in his honor. Sunday's event will be a day to remember Jimmy, commune with nature, and just appreciate life.

Folks can register early, through the Purple Iris Foundation website, or can sign up on the morning of the hike. The price goes up to $20 for on-site registrations that will begin at 9:00 at the Tripp Drive entrance to the forest, off Stillwater Avenue. Hikers will take to the trails at around 10:00. Parrish said it's four miles, altogether, but folks can opt out earlier, using shortcuts in the forest. Updates on the event can be found on the Jimmy's Wilderness Trek Facebook page.

There are a lot more adventures coming up this summer, including planting purple iris and other flower beds, whitewater rafting, and more. Find out more information about the schedule of events and the organization on the Purple Iris Foundation website. And listen to my conversation with Chris Parrish about her journey through pancreatic cancer, what inspired her to start the Purple Iris Foundation, and why she felt compelled to send a letter of encouragement to Alex Trebek, this Sunday morning on our public affairs program, Maine Concerns.