MOUNT VERNON — There may never be a better time to get completely immersed in Volkswalking than at the upcoming Whidbey Walking Festival.

The three-day event Sept. 11-13 in Coupeville will include Northwest Tulip Trekkers-hosted walks and much more.

“Anyone can show up and walk,” said Bob Payton, current president of the NW Tulip Trekkers Club. “And they can enjoy a free bratwurst and some good music.”

Volkswalking — German for “walk of the people” — is the most popular of what are called Volkssports.

Volkssports include biking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, swimming and snowshoeing. Events are leisurely and non-structured, and typically take place along scenic trails, rivers, gardens, around historic sites and in downtown areas.

The Whidbey Walking Festival will have four walking routes, each of which will offer two distances — 5-kilometer/10K, 5K/11K and 6K/10K. For those seeking more trekking, there are six more good walks in the area.

There will be a Mayor’s Walk on Sept. 11. On Sept. 12, walkers will head to Jenne Farm for a free bratwurst barbecue. And on Sept. 13, the town of Coupeville will host a concert along with a salmon barbecue for $15.

For more information, visit nwtrekkers.org.

“This is the seventh time we’ve had this event,” said Sue Payton, NW Tulip Trekkers past president. “It’s not an annual event. In fact, the last time we held it was in 2012. It was biannual for a period of time, then it almost went away completely.”

Dedicated members of the club, however, didn’t want to see the event vanish, so it was resurrected this year.

“We formed a committee of about 10 people and got to work,” said Sue Payton. “It’s finally coming together, but it’s been quite a process. I fully understand now why I am not an event planner.”

Two large contingents from Oregon are planning to attend this year and club members from other states and Canada are also expected.

“Honestly, I think the town of Coupeville also wanted it back,” said Bob Payton. “It extends their tourist season for another week. It’s good for everyone involved and I think people like to go to Whidbey Island. This is a good way to immerse yourself in an activity.”

Volkswalks are open to everyone, and while there is a $3 fee, walkers can choose to pay or not. Annual membership dues for club members are $5 per individual and $10 per family.

— Reporter Vince Richardson: 360-416-2181, vrichardson@skagitpublishing.com, Twitter: @Sports_SVH, Facebook.com/vincereports.