Antigo Area ATV/UTV Club to host 10th Annual Charity Ride

By Craig Marx, Editor

Thanks to support from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin and the Kettle Moraine ATV Association, the Antigo ATV/UTV Club is hosting its 10th Annual Charity Ride on Saturday, October 14th, bringing a chance for joy to a two young men as they deal with the difficulties of cancer. All donations from the charity event on Saturday will go to help two boys selected by Make-A-Wish Wisconsin on their paths to both recovery and enjoying life after being diagnosed with cancer.

Partnering with Make-A-Wish of Wisconsin for the first time ever, the Antigo Area ATV/UTV Club has switched its annual venue to be able to facilitate the large turnout of riders and supporters that are expected. Moving from eastern Langlade County to the starting point of North Star Lanes in Antigo, the event encompasses more than just Saturday’s festivities. With rides scheduled for Thursday and Friday evenings, riders will have a chance to take in the expansive trail system of Langlade County.

The event plans to attract riders from all over Wisconsin as the Antigo club is working in partnership with the Kettle Moraine ATV Association to help host the event. The Kettle Moraine chapter has seen incredible support in its nine previous years being partnered with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, where their charity rides have raised nearly $85,000 during that span.

The influx of charitable riders also has the positive effect of bringing in much-needed tourism to the Antigo area. With hotels filling up as the event draws near, the charity ride also gives outsiders a chance to see what beautiful Langlade County has to offer. The event is also a cooperative local effort, as the City of Antigo is helping with street closures and access routes to and from North Star for Saturday’s event (see the event closure map at the bottom of the article; closures are only for the dates of the charity ride, Oct. 12th through the 15th).

The charity ride features a multitude of locally donated prizes available for bid through 50/50 raffles, paddle and silent auctions, and card sales.

“We would just like to thank the entire community for their support. The donations and feedback we’ve received so far has been incredible,” event organizer and club president Pete Pennington said.

The ride officially kicks at North Star Lanes (400 Prosser Place, Antigo) just before 9 AM on Saturday, October 14th. Registration can be done on either Friday evening (5 – 7 PM) or before the ride begins on Saturday morning (7:30 – 8:45 PM). Following a group picture, riders will cross Hwy 45 with the help of the Antigo Police Department and begin their trek on the Parrish Highlands ATV trail system.