This weekend is annually one of the biggest for Marion. Events this weekend include Relay for Life, Winfield Poker Run, Cruisin’ for Dialysis, and the Hot Tamale Bike Tour. They mean thousands of visitors and huge impact for local charities as each one of the events serves as a fundraiser for one or more other groups.
Relay for Life takes place at River Valley High School from 7:00pm Friday to 1:00pm Saturday. Teams have been busy all year raising money for the American Cancer Society to fight cancer. Events include a Survivors’ Walk, luminaries, and lots of activities. The event is really like a festival to honor those who have fought cancer and to raise money to eliminate the disease.
It’s free to visit, but they will gladly take your donations. You can get more information on Relay for Life in Marion County by clicking here.
The Brandy Winfield Memorial Poker Run is another event that both honors and raises money for causes in the area. The run starts at the Marion County Fairgrounds with registration from 9:00am to 11:30 am on Saturday. Bikes leave at noon and will return that evening for a dinner and live music. If you’re not a rider, you can still come out for the dinner.
The entire community is invited to the Marion Cemetery on Friday at 6:30pm where Brandy will be honored in a ceremony. He was killed while on duty as a Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy in 2004.
Funds raised this year will go to Marion County Red Cross, Cops and Kids, Wounded Warriors, and Marion County Relay for Life. Click here to learn more about the Winfield Poker Run or visit their website by clicking here.
The 19th annual Cruisin’ for Dialysis is Saturday with an opening ceremony at noon and registration from noon until 3:00pm. Awards will be handed out at 6:00pm. The event in downtown Marion will include classic cars and vehicles of all types, shooting the loop, raffles, food, and more. Money raised goes towards supporting kidney dialysis patients in a seven county area.
You can find more details by clicking here.
The Hot Tamale Bicycle Tour is organized by the Heart of Ohio Tailwinds Bicycle Club. Riders can choose a 62-mile loop along scenic farm roads. Some riders will choose the 34-mile route, while families and casual riders may prefer the 8- or 16-mile options. The ride begins in the Waldo Community Park in Waldo.
A portion of the registration fees will be donated to the Marion Tallgrass Trail. The bike trail continues to grow and have several grants secured, but need to raise the required matching funds.
More details on the Hot Tamale can be found by clicking here.
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