Hogs for Hospice draws 'record number' of riders to Leamington

Hogs for Hospice draws ‘record number’ of riders to Leamington

August 5, 2024

in Canada

Reading Time: 5 mins read

Leamington’s Hogs for Hospice drew a record number of riders over the civic holiday weekend, marking the largest turnout in the event’s history.

“Our goal was to build an event that our community can be proud of and that would support our hospice and local businesses,” said Joe Oswald, a member of the board of directors and an organizer of the weekend.

“I feel we collectively accomplished that this weekend.”

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The three-day weekend at Seacliff Park featured vendors, food trucks, motocross shows, a biker rodeo, and live entertainment from Stone Temple Pilots and Quiet Riot. And thousands of motorcyclists.

“We had just over 2,000 motorcycles for our registered ride,” Oswald told the Star.

“We’ve averaged probably about 10,000 people per day, coming to our event. We’re looking at around 30,000 people attending the event this year.”

Hogs for Hospice set a record for attendance on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, with more than 2,000 bikers rolling down the road. Photo by Millar Holmes-Hill /Windsor Star

Thousands of bikers hit the road for the Tour of the Tip ride during the Hogs for Hospice at Leamington’s Seacliff Park on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Photo by Millar Holmes-Hill /Windsor Star

Hogs for Hospice fans — Brenda Loftus and her grandson Mike, 3, sit on the sideline as thousands of motorcycles hit the road for the Tour of the Tip ride during the Hogs for Hospice at Leamington’s Seacliff Park on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. Photo by Millar Holmes-Hill /Windsor Star

The annual event, which began after the Erie Shores Hospice opened in 2016, raises enough money to pay all the bills remaining after government funding, said Oswald.

“Hogs is a fabulous cultural event and celebration that takes place in Leamington,” said Katharen Bortolin, the executive director of the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.

“Everyone who takes part in the event are wholeheartedly supporting hospice and its cause. It’s heartwarming and special. It’s such a unique event and behalf of all of hospice, we are so appreciative.”

Money comes from donations, from contributions during the church service, from merchandise sales and from sponsors, who have been exceedingly generous supporting the event, said Oswald.

The event has raised $3.9-million so far for the local hospice.

Our goal after this year is to have netted $5-million,” Oswald said. “All those proceeds go directly to our Erie Shores Hospice so that no family has to put a hand in their pocket.”

The support from the community is critical to the event’s success, said Oswald.

mholmeshill@postmedia.com