A quarter of a century ago, a group of friends decided to assist in a Christmas toy drive that would end up becoming one of the largest toy fundraisers in the North Central Kansas region.
“They (volunteers) were all out there (at Concordia Chevrolet), and they had a deal where they were collecting toys and they just had a box out there,” said Phil Sudduth, a Cloud County Toy Run founder. “And then we got together and we were just like, ‘Wow,’ and we got to pick up a load of toys for them with all the motorcycles, and it was refreshing for them to have somebody help and to get way more toys.”
From these humble beginnings with Sudduth, Jon Puckett and Mike and Jill Lamm, the Cloud County Toy Run grew to include more than 100 motorcyclists.
This year, the event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, with a new addition for its 25th-year milestone.
According to Sudduth, those without a motorcycle can still participate in the parade this year with a classic car, hot rod or all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
“We want to get the public out more,” Sudduth said. “You don’t have to come on a bike or in a classic car, you can just come to the auction if you want.”
The Toy Run parade may be the large spectacle downtown, but the auction afterward is what helps continue the Toy Run. The auction held at the American Legion Post 76 is where the public can purchase items or donate for next year’s event.
Along with the auction items and camaraderie, there will be food available to attendees. The public can witness the parade in downtown after it begins at 1 p.m. in Airport Park, near 2115 Blosser Circle in Concordia, travels down Lincoln Street and turns onto Sixth Street to parade through downtown.
For participants, lineup and registration will begin at noon in Airport Park with the entry fee being at least one unwrapped toy to donate.
To learn more about auction items and to see photos from previous years, visit the Cloud County Toy Run Facebook page through this link, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562779032119
