Stay tuned for information about our exciting new Trail Passport challenge! An opportunity to visit local businesses and locations and win prizes!

Pony Express Days 2025: Trail Passport Challenge

Theme: McKinleyville: Where Trails Lead to Community
Dates: May 29th – June 7th, 2025
Winner Announced: Sunday, June 8th via social media
Hashtag: #PonyExpressTrail2025
Hosted by: McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce

How It Works (For Participants):

1. Visit locations listed on the official Trail Passport List (will be available here when finalized!)
2. Take a photo at each stop (some may include a designated item or fun activity)
3. Post the photo to Facebook and/or Instagram using:
   • Hashtag: #PonyExpressTrail2025
   • Tag @mckinleyvillechamber
   • Tag the business/location (if possible)
4. Earn extra entries by completing the Trail Passport Bingo Page in the North Coast Journal’s Pony Express Days Special Pullout, featured in the May 29th edition. To submit your bingo card and earn your bonus entries, just drop it off at the Chamber booth during the Pony Express Days festival on Saturday, June 7th.

Each post earns one entry into the Grand Prize drawing. The more locations you visit, the more chances to win!

The Prize: A Grand Prize Gift Basket filled with local goodies and gift cards donated by participating businesses.

The winner will be drawn and announced on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Must be able to pick up prize in McKinleyville!

 

Want to be a stop on the Trail Passport?

We’re inviting Chamber members with locations in McKinleyville to be featured on the Trail Passport List. Here’s what we’re asking:

• Allow your business to be one of the locations that participants visit
• Pick a fun idea for what people should do when they arrive (e.g., take a photo with your logo, a product, a display, a mural, etc.)
• (Optional) Donate a small prize or item to be included in the Grand Prize Gift Basket

Chamber members will be included for free. If you’re not currently a member, you are welcome to join now or pay a one-time entry fee to participate in the challenge.

Bonus Exposure: Participating businesses will also be featured in the North Coast Journal pullout on a Trail Passport Bingo Sheet, giving your business additional print visibility alongside the social media campaign.

Participating businesses will also be promoted on our social media and included in the official Trail Passport materials.