Events and Activities : 5th Annual Special Olympics Benefit Ride, Harley raffle set for Aug. 16

The 5th Annual Vinton Shellsburg United Special Olympics Benefit Ride rolls into town on Saturday, August 16th! Starting with registration at the Ron da Voo at 10 a.m., and covering approximately 130 miles, the ride raises money to support local Special Olympics athletes from Vinton-Shellsburg, CPU and Benton Community school districts. 1st Avenue will be blocked off until 11:30 a.m., with all vehicles leaving at 11. “We’re expecting nearly 250 riders, and all vehicle types, whether two, three, or four wheels are welcome to join the ride,” event organizer Kris Kramer said. The cost for the ride is $15 per rider, or $25 per couple.

VSU coach Brian Larkin added, “With this being our 5th annual ride, we wanted to do it up big this year, so we’ve added some awesome things, and invite everyone to join in the fun. We’re raffling off a 2013 Harley Davidson 883 Sportster, Phil Barkdoll will be auctioning off some incredible items donated by local artists including an original Harley themed painting by Paul Roster, and some steel Harley wall hangings forged by Marshall Whittaker,” Larkin said. Kramer added, “Last year we raffled off a flat screen tv, but this year, Lisa from Michael and Doud contacted me, and DONATED a flat screen for us to auction off!“

Also this year, Koop’s Automotive has sponsored an 80’s band, WAGG, from 8-Midnight at the Legion. “WAGG is an awesome area band that’s played at Jameson’s, the Screaming Eagle, National Cattle Congress, and the Lansing Riverfest, to name a few,” Larkin said. The public is invited to the Legion with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. for a free will donation at the door. “It’s gonna be a great time!”

If you win the Harley, you have the choice of taking the Harley, or a cash option from Silver Eagle Harley Davidson. You can get a peek at the Harley in person, and purchase your raffle tickets, this weekend at Party in the Park. The drawing will be held at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Vinton on August 16th. You must be 21 to purchase the tickets, but you don’t have to be present at the drawing to win. “Only 1,000 tickets were printed, so your odds are better than winning the lottery,” Kramer said. You can purchase one ticket for $20, or six tickets for $100. If you’d like more information about the event, or would like to purchase tickets, you can stop by the VSU booth at Party in the Park, or contact Kris Kramer at 319-560-7117. Again, all proceeds directly benefit your local Special Olympians in Benton County.