Camaraderie was on the menu as 100 jeep and side-by-side enthusiasts gathered at Warsaw Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9802, 226 Main St., on Saturday, May 16 to support the organization’s first 100-mile patriotic run to the Warsaw Brewery, Basco, Marceline, Meyer, Piney’s in Warsaw, and back to the VFW for an evening with guitarist Tim Hart of Hannibal. With all that, there was also an optional poker run.
Under the direction of VFW event coordinator and bar manager Jenae Bemis and quartermaster Schyler Hochgraber, the Warsaw community and patriots from surrounding areas, including Quincy, were encouraged to decorate their “wheels” with American flags and arrive with their “friends, family, and patriotic spirit for a full day of fun, rides, food, and music,” while supporting the VFW’s efforts to improve their building’s exterior with new roofing and guttering.
Bemis and Hochgraber were extremely grateful that the meat for the delicious, pulled-pork sandwiches was donated.
Two guns were raffled at the event with the Warsaw Lions Club generously donating the money to purchase the Ruger American Gen 2 gun. The other firearm was gifted to the VFW.
Joe Jones donated money for the coozies, and the VFW provided soda, chips, buns, and alcoholic beverages to purchase.
Rain in the evening necessitated moving Tim Hart into the VFW building from Main Street, but it did not deter the spirited group from enjoying fine food and prevailing congeniality.
The VFW looks forward to hosting the free Kids Fishing Derby for youth up to age 16 on Saturday, June 20. According to Bemis, the organization decided to sponsor this adventure to honor Father’s Day and encourage fathers to “take their kids out,” to spend time with their families. Note: all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Plan for a leisurely time waiting for bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish to bite anywhere you want! No permit is required. Participants are asked to bring their catch to the VFW to weigh in at 1 p.m. that day. Door prizes, including fishing lures and poles, await, and every child will receive a prize. Hot dogs and chips will also be available for participants.
Those wishing to participate need to register by Thursday, June 18 at the VFW or by calling 217-256-3533 after 4 p.m.
Congratulations and gratitude go out to the Warsaw WFW for providing this successful opportunity for the community and Tri-State area residents to “tear up the trails” to proudly support their fundraising endeavors. Warsaw also appreciates the organization’s generous hospitality towards families and youth in offering the Fishing Derby.