Red River Scrapbook
Ride for the Red to benefit local Red Cross
By American Red Cross
Nov 6, 2009

DENISON, TX -- The 2^nd annual Ride for the Red fundraiser for the local American Red Cross will be Sunday, November 8, at Loose Wheels, Texas, off State Highway 691 in Denison.  The event will include a motorcycle ride, chili cook-off and raffle of a cargo trailer.  Entertainment will be provided beginning at 3 p.m.by Homer Joy, Grammy-award-winning composer and performer, and the Okie Road band. 

Fall is a critical time for fundraising for the Red Cross.  Beginning in October and through about March, the local Red Cross responds to an average of two house fires a week, assisting families who are suddenly homeless because of this very personal disaster.   Red Cross volunteers meet with the family to provide immediate assistance with shelter, food and clothing, as well as replacement of medicines lost in the fire.

The Ride for the Red is a major source of additional funds to meet the seasonal needs that emerge due to house fires in the fall and winter season.  The local Red Cross serves Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties.

The November 8 event kicks off when local “chefs” arrive to cook their special brands of chili for a publically judged contest.  Anyone can enter the event with a $35 entry fee; first place award is $350, a trophy chili pot and of course, braggin’ rights.  Ingredients must not be pre-cooked.  Entrants set up camp on the Loose Wheels campgrounds and “start up their pots.”   Judging begins at 1 p.m. with the public being able to sample the chilis and cast their votes at 5 votes for $5.  Early application for contestants is required because the contest is limited to 35 entries.

Motorcyclists start up their engines beginning at 10 a.m. through noon with registration beginning with a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m.  The tour runs through all three counties the local Red Cross serves.  Last year’s event attracted 325 entrants.  Loose Wheels kickoff location is 534 Pool Road in Denison.

Chili judging begins at 1 p.m. and Homer Joy and the band take stage at 3 p.m.  Other events and prize drawings will be held throughout the day.

Drawing for the North American Cargo Trailer, a 6’ x 12’ flat rider with dual axles, spring loaded ramp door, dome light and brakes will be at 4:30 p.m. November 8.  Advance tickets are available.

Information on all these events may be found on the Red Cross web page, www.texoma.redcross.org, or by calling 903-465-1330.