HUNTERSVILLE – The historic Rural Hill homestead will host its annual “First Footin'” hike and celebration of the Scottish New Year’s tradition of Hogmanay on Sunday, Jan. 1, and this year they’re adding a a 5-mile race. The annual hike and Hogmanay party is free and open to the public.

First Footin’ will begin at 11 a.m. with both the hike and the race. That’s followed at 12:30 by a presentation of “Stone Soup” at 12:30, followed by a luncheon and fellowship. No reservations for the hike are necessary, just come and enjoy the fun. More information can be found at www.ruralhill.net.

Runners are invited to participate in the Rural Hill 2012 First Footin’ Five Miler, presented by McIntosh Law Firm. The course of 5 miles is relatively easy, perfect for getting back on track after the holidays. The race will start at 11 a.m. Race registration is $30 and details are available at www.ruralhill.net/FirstFootinFive.asp.

The Scottish New Year, Hogmanay (pronounced Hog-muh-nay), is a celebration of good will and good fortune. A first-footer who arrived empty handed was seen as a terrible omen of poverty and loss in the New Year. Several towns throughout the hillsides of Scotland continue an age old annual ritual of a walking the town limits to restate or reclaim the boundaries of the township.
These traditions have been adopted as part of the Rural Hill Hogmanay celebration, known simply as First Footin.’ Traditionally, the fulfillments of Hogmanay’s rituals and folklore have assured good crops, good health, and good fortune in the coming year.

For the hike, wear good walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the season. This will be a fairly vigorous hike around the farm’s 5k trail network, stopping along the way to discuss history and folklore. If you do not think you are physically able to do the walk, please come anyway. It’s a great time for fellowship around the farm yard, and we’re always looking for new talent to help with the reading of the parable of “Stone Soup.”

The hike is FREE and open to all, but we do encourage everyone to bring something for the luncheon. (Remember, its bad luck to show up empty handed!) Items needed include fresh or canned vegetables for the soup, bread, dessert, soft drinks, tea, or your favorite beverage, and bowls, plates, napkins, and eating utensils.

Celebrating 250 years in 2010-2011, Rural Hill is located at 4431 Neck Road (off Beatties Ford Road) in Huntersville, 28078. The former homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson, the 265 acre site is maintained and promoted by Rural Hill and features annual events such as the Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games, the Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze and the Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials. Rural Hill Inc. is a non-profit organization supported through membership and donations, and with proceeds from its events utilized for the preservation of historic Rural Hill and its education efforts.

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