CMA hosts Toy Run Oct. 2

The sixth annual High Country Toy Run, which includes a classic car show and a motorcycle ride through the scenic backroads of the High Country, will take shape once again at Boone Mall on Saturday, Oct. 2.

Sponsored by the local Peacemakers Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association (CMA), the event raises money to provide Christmas gifts for less-fortunate children in the area.

In fact, because of the success of the Toy Run, more than 1,000 children across the High Country have received Christmas gifts in the last five years.

Kris Fowler, Peacemakers president, and his wife, Becky Fowler, work hard each year, along with their fellow bikers, to make Christmas a reality for these youngsters - many of whom would otherwise miss the magic of waking up to find something under the tree Christmas morning.

"We not only buy fun things but also necessary items children need like hats, gloves, boots and school supplies," Becky Fowler said.

The Peacemakers distribute the gifts to parents or caregivers of the recipients, who, in turn, make sure the children receive the gifts on Christmas morning.

The event originated as a way to minister to children of inmates incarcerated at the county jail, but according to the Fowlers, its scope is now much broader and includes school children, referrals from local agencies, etc.

Registration will be held at Boone Mall parking lot from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2. The entrance fee for each participant is a new, unwrapped toy or gift worth at least $20, or a donation of at least $20. The entry fee includes a catered meal (Bandana's Bar-B-Que) and door prize tickets. A commemorative Toy Run tote bag or T-shirt will be given to the first 100 participants.

Car owners can either join the run or display their autos at Boone Mall. The CMA has enlisted the help and support of the High Country Classics Car Club for the day, so there will be plenty to see and do on-site during the ride.

The run starts at 11 a.m. with a police escort leading from the mall toward Tennessee to Hwy. 67 (just across the border), which turns into N.C. 88, right on to Sutherland Road (Sutherland Road turns into Meat Camp Road); right on to N.C. 194 to U.S. 421, to N.C. 105 Ext. back to the mall parking lot.

After the run, there will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing.

"You don't have to have a motorbike or a car to join in," Kris Fowler said, "but we hope the community will come out to show support for children and to enjoy the food, fellowship with us."

For more information, or to make donations, contact the Fowlers at (828) 265-0950.