Get your Motor running, head out on the Highway!

The Toy Run celebrates its Silver Anniversary this weekend, marking twenty five years of roaring Harley’s, cash donations and toys for tots.

The local run, is the second longest running event in the province and is the long time “can’t miss” day of the year for the Harley riders in town. Providing one last chance to let er’ rip before putting the bikes away for another year.

From 1981 to present, organizers have delivered $140,000 dollars in donations to the Salvation Army and collected 6,500 toys for local children. The Run which will travel the streets of Rupert on Saturday will entice riders from as far away as Prince George and Alaska.

The Daily News featured the run on the front page of the Monday section, tracing the history of the event and what to expect this Saturday.

TOY RUN IS IN TOP GEAR AFTER 25 YEARS ON THE ROAD
Events organizers celebrate the long-lasting success of local fundraiser
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
Special to the Daily News
Monday, November 6, 2006
Pages One and Three

Prince Rupert Harley Riders have good reason to polish the chrome on their bikes for this year’s Toy Run, which is set to take place on November 11.

Any flash of silver will help celebrate the fact the run is now in its 25th year, making it the second longest reigning run in the province.

Organizer Marc Desaultels said in 1981 local riders had a party.

“They had some money left over and donated it to the Salvation Army.”

The next year, the group had some t-shirts printed, raised some money again, and the event has been carrying on ever since, with riders now coming from as far away as Prince George and Alaska.

Since 1981, the riders have gathered more than $140,000 dollars for the Salvation Army and donated 6,500 toys. When people buy a ticket for the dance held at the Fishermen’s Hall they are also asked to contribute a toy at the door. Extra funds are raised through coin jars, door prizes and beverage sales at the dance.

Desaultels said the totals have been better some years than others, depending on the economy.

This year, he’s urging the community to be generous.

“The Salvation Army has been hit with apartment fires, and the downsize of the community. They are in dire straits so if there’s any way the public can help it would be great.”

Tracey Gardiner, Desaultel’s sister also helps with the event. She said the main stars each year are the local musicians who donate their time at the dance.

“They are what makes the event such a success each year,” she said.

“Ian Lihou, Ross Garbutt, Dave Carlson, Gordy Olson, Paul Cox, Marc Giordano, Brian Miller, Bobby Okabe, Steve Little, Dan Sklapsky, Keith Shrubshall, Bruce Dawson, Rick Slavick, Pete Jackson, Mike Carignan, Derrick Lindsay, Nick Adey, Shane McLaren, Carl Oystensen, Darren Smith, Marc Ciccone, Mike Greene, Emily Greene, Loni Bryant, Patty Foreman, Tracey Mason, and of course Dwain Harrison on the sound, are some of the names that go way back.”

This year’s band lineup is yet to be finalized but will feature musicians from Prince Rupert and Terrace.

In addition to the dance, the Harley Riders will host a poker run where between 1 and 5 p. m. people who pay to enter visit five local establishments. At each venue players receive a card and at the last stop the highest and lowest poker hands are determined. There are two winners. The highest and the lowest split the winnings. Other poker runs take place on horses, boats and skidoos.

To mark the 25th, the 2006 Prince Rupert Harley Riders t-shirt will feature all 25 logos from the past years. They’ll be printed on black – a rider’s favourite colour, Desaultels said.

Tickets are available from Prince Rupert Harley Riders. People wanting to make donations can contact Desaultels at 624-4188.