The 38th Annual Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund Toy Run is this Saturday beginning from the Irvine Hotel, as hundreds of bikers will make their way toward the Stampede Grounds for a wrap-up event. Some roads will be closed during the Toy Run. A three-wheeler motorcycle cruises down Dunmore Road carrying a large stuffed monkey during the 2023 SCF Toy Run.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Saturday the roads will rumble as hundreds of bikers are expected to rev up and participate in the 38th annual Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund Toy Run that collects toys and gifts to be delivered to children in need over the Holidays.
The Toy Run will begin in Irvine and pass through Dunmore before concluding at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede grounds, and typically draws more than 1,000 motorcyclists, who ride with stuffed toys attached to their bikes, as well as hundreds of spectators along the parade route.
“We usually get people lined up on both sides of Dunmore Road and they wave,” says Heather McCaig, communications co-ordinator. “It’s such a good feeling to everyone who is in the parade to see the ongoing support from the public.”
The annual toy drive parade, along with other community initiatives and donations, allows the Santa Claus Fund to continue to provide low-income families a full Christmas dinner and toys for their children.
Riders, supporters and their children are invited to a pancake breakfast by donation beginning at 9 a.m at the Irvine Hotel before hitting the highway at 11:30 a.m.
Police will be escorting riders in the Toy Run along the Trans-Canada Highway toward Medicine Hat in the right lane of traffic. Motorists will still be able to travel in the left lane of the highway during the ride and are asked to drive with caution when beside hundreds of motorcyclists.
Organizers say the Toy Run will arrive in Medicine Hat around noon and traffic will be closed along the parade route for approximately half an hour as riders make their way toward the Stampede grounds, typically to the excitement of on-lookers.
“It’s really cool because they get to watch 1,000 bikes rumble through the gates and they get to see the toys and gifts and the real heart of the community,” says McCaig. “It goes straight to your heart to watch how generous Medicine Hat has always been in bringing in gifts for these kids at Christmas.
“And the donations that come in, including cash, goes towards so many things for these families. We just don’t do it without public support.”
The public is welcome to join in on festivities that continue throughout the afternoon at Higdon Hall, including a 50/50 raffle and silent auction that includes several donated items from community members and local businesses.
As well, members of the Kinsmen Club will be cooking up a barbecue that will be served by students that are part of Crescent Heights High Schools leadership team, who will be handing out the burgers, chips and drinks for a donation of $5.
There will also be an afterparty event held at Dayz Off Pub beginning at 3 p.m. with live music.
“Every bit of money that comes from this event, every gift, everything goes back to these families at Christmas,” says McCaig. “It’s such an amazing day so we really do hope that everyone comes out and is a part of it.”
