Riding group's annual rally benefits St. Jude Children's Hospital

The War Child Riding Group is preparing for its annual Rebel Yell Rally this weekend.

All proceeds from the rally, in its 11th year, will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

"Since 2006, we've donated more than $100,000 to St. Jude," event organizer Paul Friga said. He added the group has donated more than $27,000 to the Missouri Veterans Home in that time.

Friga said the rally is War Child's main fundraiser for the year. The group usually plans for an expected attendance of 400 to 500 people.

"We've got over 60 sponsors so far," Friga said.

Gates open about 2 p.m. Friday at Al Friga Farms on County Road 248 between Chaffee and Oran, Missouri. The event continues Saturday and Sunday.

"It's $20 a head and good for all weekend," Friga said.

The rally will have a variety of activities, including a blessing of the bikes, mouse races and field events such as a motorcycle obstacle course. Vendors selling T-shirts and tattoo artists will be at the rally.

The Jimmy Lee Band will provide entertainment Friday, and 3rd Wheel will play Saturday.

Attendees must be at least 21 without exception. Identification is required.

No Maglites, weapons of any kind or glass containers are allowed, according to the event flier. Tents, generators, four-wheelers and golf carts are allowed, but not in the rally area.

For more information, call Friga at 270-0476 or Jerry Aufdenberg at 208-8985, visit warchildrg.weebly.com, or find Warchild RG on Facebook.

kwebster@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

County Road 248, Chaffee, MO