McPherson County Toy Run

Kevin McKee

I have heard this saying many times and have even said it more times than I care to count, “the older you get, and the faster time goes”. It seems like it was only a few week ago when the 2008 Toy Run was over. I am sure that Al and Keena started planning for this year’s event as soon as the last one was over. WOW what a difference a year can make. The economy is not any better than it was then, but at least the weather was great. Last year we got snowed on, on the way to the staging area, but not this year.

This year was my first year heading up the bicycle trailer for ABATE. Tony and Darrin have done a most excellent job for years, but Tony retired after 2008, and I picked up the torch from him. I began talking to some people in January in an attempt to get a jump on things. Well the best laid plans of mice and men…I think it has something to do with the opening of this article, time got away from me, and before I was really ready, it was Toy Run time.

Like I said, we had wonderful weather for this year’s event. We were fortunate enough to have 355 bikes come to town for our toy run. The local Police department is always kind enough to start off the parade for us, followed by all the flagged bikes, the local Fire Department and EMS also ride with us, then the bicycle trailers and then the rest of the bikes and cages.

The parade for me is always the highlight of the day, as you are greeted along the way by many spectators as the parade passes thru town. I asked Jack to handle the video camera for me as momma and I rode. I had what seemed like a killer idea to get some good footage as we left the parking lot and then as we approached the Legion for the first time. I had no idea that it might take so long to get all the bikes and cages out of the parking lot that the beginning of the parade might already be passing the Legion, but once again I ran out of time. The footage that Jack got is good and after some work, it will make the website (so keep looking for it).

On arrival at the Legion it is time to unload the bikes off the trailers as all the toys are carried into the Legion at the same time. I climbed onto the trailer and started loosening straps and cutting zip ties. When I looked up after the last bike was cut loose there were still bikers standing in line to get their toys donated. That is what it is all about.

After a bowl (or 2) of chili and some catching up with friends it was auction time. I am not sure how they manage to do it every year, but Al and Keena always manage to “git-r-done”, with sponsors and donations. This year is no exception; almost anything you want was on the auction block. Once again Earl and Dean were running the auction. The people of McPherson County did not let anyone down again this year. Like always it has a family feel and was as spirited an auction as it has ever been. I really hope that Matt appreciated the adult beverage that Brad bought. Keena almost had the intestinal fortitude to go the distance to get the smoker, (better luck next year Keena).

When it was all said and done, the McPherson County Toy Run was once again a very successful event, helping many, many less fortunate kids throughout the county. I will say this again for those of you that have still not had the opportunity to witness something very special, if you can only make a couple of toy runs during this time of year, come to ours and see what you are missing.

Until the next one ride free and be safe.