The Dismals Canyon reopening for the season March 7 kick started a project for Franklin County as part of its Bicentennial Celebration: Pastport.

Pastport is an idea Franklin County Bicentennial Committee coordinator Chris Ozbirn’s daughter Buffie came up with. Ozbirn said she is excited to offer this to the county’s citizens and visitors.

“It’s an asset for everyone,” Ozbirn said.

To participate, a person must pick up a Pastport from the Franklin County Archives, where Ozbirn will stamp and initial it for him or her. Participants must then visit the other 19 places listed in the Pastport and get it stamped or initialed there as proof they visited that location.

“What better way is there to promote Franklin County than to have people visiting all of these places?” Ozbirn said.

Several people have already picked up Pastports, Ozbirn said. One man even told her he had just moved to the area and said it’s a great way for him to get to know the county.

“We have a lot to offer in Franklin County,” Ozbirn said.

Participants have until November 2019 to finish and turn in their completed Pastports. Ozbirn will place the completed Pastports in a box, and at the final celebration Nov. 22, 2019, she will draw a name from the box. The winner of the drawing will receive a basket full of goodies and prizes made in Franklin County.