Ducks and Hogs for Dogs fundraiser

An unexpected “sweater weather” type of morning awaited participants on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Barney’s Drive In for the Ducks and Hogs for Dogs fundraiser. A harsh wind was blowing off Clear Lake  as 16 motorcycles and six vehicles waved goodbye for their departure. Many of them were wearing jean jackets or hoodies that are usually reserved for fall, one or two even had hats.

 

They left at 10 a.m. and were back by 3 p.m. Amanda and Gerard Duval were in from Owatonna, they said, “We attend many other rides like this, that and we both have a huge love for animals.” Proceeds from the event are slated for the Waseca County Animal Humane Society. Three employees from Barney’s were having lunch outside, Zoey Dunn, Lillianna Sanchez and Delilah Veroeven were outside under an awning manufacturing Barney’s own Lemonade Shakers. Any of the motorcyclists who were hungry had the full menu to choose from once they got back. Waseca Police Officer John Unger was the escort for the day, he’s helped with a few things like this before, “The charity people, they called us but we’re happy to help.”

 

The bars visited were Tuckers Tavern in Elysian, Toy Box in Kilkenny, Rail 19 in Lonsdale and Last Call Liquor in Morristown. 

 

Teejay Barnett, spectator and volunteer, checked his blow-up yellow duck in the front of the restaurant facing Clear Lake, he said, “I got here at 9 a.m. to set up my duck but that didn’t take very long. I’m a volunteer for the day, I’ll probably watch the silent auction items, make sure they don’t blow away. I might help with the coloring contest later.”

 

Attendance increased in the afternoon; more children were bouncing in the bounce castle. Mandi Miller and Amanda Haskell were painting the faces of children eager to get back to the bounce house, said Haskell, “We don’t work for a face painting business or anything, we’re just helping out with the face painting.”

 

Under the tent near the registration desk were a number of tables filled with donated silent auction items which included signs from the Faribault Harley Davidson, a basket filled with Fords Gin, a $200 gift certificate to the Dragons Lair, assorted dog toy baskets, an oil change from Firestone, O’Reilly’s, Tesch’s and Waseca Chrysler. A movie night basket, a Fireball Whiskey basket, a free round of golf from Lakeside, $25 in service at John’s Service Garage, stone wine glasses, an impact wrench set, a 40-pound turkey, a free grooming from the Paw Salon, and a Stella Rose Peach Brandy basket.

 

The ride started at 10 a.m. Face painting was offered from 2 to 5 p.m., a bounce castle and kids coloring contest took place from 4 to 5 p.m.. Music was provided from 7-10 p.m. by Kozy JR DJ.