Talk about fast money.

Friends of the Montour Trail can empty their coin jars at any one of nine collection spots Oct. 11.

The annual event has been an effective fundraiser. Last year, Pennies for the Trail Day yielded $3,530, which went toward restoration and improvements of the recreational path.

Three groups -- Bethel Park, Peters Township and South Hills Friends of the Montour Trail -- will collect loose change and folding money from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., except in Bethel Park, where hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In Bethel Park, collection will take place at the Irishtown trailhead, the Limestone trailhead or the Washington School ramp near Clifton Road.

In Peters, spots are at Brush Run Road trailhead, East McMurray Road or behind the St. Petersburg Center by Route 19.

In South Park, collections are at the Bethel Park-South Park waste water treatment plant parking lot, at Gill Hall Road in Jefferson Hills or at the Clairton trailhead along Route 837.

Last year, said organization president Peter Kohnke, the coin haul included a Chuck-E-Cheese token and coins from Canada, Mexico, the Bahama, India, Great Britain and the Czech Republic.

A ribbon-cutting will be held Oct. 18 to celebrate the completion of Phase 16, in Peters.

The event will be held at Tom Robinson's TAR Storage facility off Valleybrook Road, just west of Route 19. On site will be the vintage railroad crane recently salvaged by the Montour Railroad Historical Society.

Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. and include a bike ride and light lunch. A raffle will be held Oct. 15. Call Sue Headley at 412-835-3011 or e-mail sueheadley@comcast.net for tickets to win the first ride on the new trail.

"This is a very important link. It eliminates about a three-mile road bypass that has been there for years," said Mark Imgund, who is coordinating the grand opening.

"We've invited [Congressman] Tim Murphy and a bunch of other dignitaries. He was instrumental in assisting us with securing the transportation enhancement funding."

Mr. Murphy, he said "is primarily a runner, but he did tell us he will come prepared to participate in the first ride, as long as we don't expect him to wear Spandex."

-- Maria Sciullo