5th Annual Toy Ride a ‘roaring' success
By RACHEL GOMEZ rgomez@lakecityreporter.com
Family, friends and officials of all ages came to the Columbia County Fairgrounds Saturday on their motorcycles and in their cars to participate in the 5th Annual Toy Ride, which benefits the Christmas Dream Machine.
“Every dime we raise today will go to charity,” said Cookie Murray, event organizer. “We already had $2,000 in toys donated to us.”
Before the toy ride started, 20 bicycles, three wagons, and other toys had already been collected.
People from around the area strapped down toys to their motorcycles, and started gathering at the fairgrounds at 10 a.m. Coffee and donuts were served before the rally.
Mark Koppa of Lake City made sure to bring a riding buddy, his dog Gengais. It was their second year participating in the event.
“My fiancée couldn't come so I made sure to bring him,” he said.
Sgt. Anthony Roles, an Air Force recruiter in Lake City, was there as well.
“Anytime I get a chance to ride my bike, I do it,” Roles said.
Lead by Santa and his sleigh wagon, the crowd left from the fairgrounds at 11 a.m. for the 45-minute ride around town, and ended at the Lake City Mall. All participants then went to Columbia County Cycles to enjoy raffles, auctions, games, food and music by two local bands - Arrowhead and the Blues Highway Band.
“Last year there was 140 to 150 bikes, but this year looks like a bigger turnout,” said Polly Murray of Columbia County Cycles, as the participants roared off down the road. “We'll fit them all (in Columbia County Cycles) somehow.”
The event had a total of 240 motorcycle participants, and collected $6,400 in toys and money for the Christmas Dream Machine to donate to children ages 2-17. Cookie Murray said there were a lot of people who came to Columbia County Cycles that didn't participate in the toy ride so in total there were about 600 people.
“You could write a page on who donated stuff to us and what they donated,” Cookie said. “We want to thank everyone that rode today, the businesses and people that donated things, and the Lake City Police Department because they escorted us and stopped traffic.”