On Sunday, July 27 at 1 pm, you could hear the roar of over 70 motorcycles heading east on Hwy C and then north on Hwy 79 in Lincoln County.  Santa Claus and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s department lead the group from Moscow Mills to Elsberry to raise funds for Lincoln County Youth in Need. Read More

Following behind were several support vehicles.  Pam Henke, Lincoln County Area Manager for Youth in Need and her husband, John, brought up the rear.  They had never been a part of such a large group of motorcycles raising funds.  It brought her to tears to see everyone participating in a fundraiser for the organization that means so much to her.  That makes it all worth while.

Jeanine Graham, owner of Iron Cross Liquor, Linda Rippe, owner of Tattooed Lady Bar & Grill, and Reine Knobbe, owner of Chariots of Fire Customs LLC partnered together along with Terry Martin, Commander of the Elsberry VFW Post 9064 to create the “Christmas in July Run”.  The VFW Post did not only donate all the food so that the participants could enjoy a free lunch at the end of the ride, but they also donated an additional $200 for Youth In Need!  Terry very proudly, and rightly so, shared with me that VFW Post 9064 received the National and State Outstanding Community Service award.  Only two posts in Missouri were awarded the honor this year.

Our goal was to double the participants and thus doubling the donations.  I am very happy to say we achieved this goal!  Lincoln county AMVETS Post 180 brought a group of riders, as did local Invaders Motorcycle Club, Freedom of Road Riders, Messiah’s chosen volunteered their time to help out.  Actually I found out that several of their members, Rob “Jax” Jackson, Richie “Caged” Burts and Chrissie “Greeneyes” Burts, left Memphis at 4am to make it in time to help out!  We also had the Marine Corp, Toys for Tots group come out and volunteer their time to help keep the motorcycles lined up on the parking lot as well as participating in the ride.  The winners of the poker hands where generous as they donated their entire cash back!  Dawg and Tracie of the Invaders MC donated first place $100 and Digger DMC of the Midwest Drifters donated their second place $50 winnings back.  CD won the liquor raffle basket.  Thank you, groups and individuals alike for making the day a success with over $2000 raised!

Christmas in July Run had a few folks out to cheer us on this year.  We hope to spread the word to gain a parade like atmosphere in the years to come.  Thanks to Lincoln County Journal for writing an article the week prior to inform Lincoln County about our event.  The route is a lovely jaunt through farm lands along the Mississippi lowlands and through the low rolling hills into Elsberry.  Riders were able to enjoy this scenic route with no worries of traffic congestion as local police departments all cooperated to provide a steady pace through their small towns which included:  Moscow Mills, Old Monroe, Winfield, Foley, and Elsberry.  Special thanks to all those police departments as well as the motorcycle escort provided by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.  Troy’s Fire Department provided their hook and ladder truck with flag to not only attract attention, but to provide the flag for riders to say the Pledge of Allegiance, thank you very much!

Upon arrival at VFW Post 9064, riders were greeted with outstanding hospitality.  Free lunch, liquid refreshments, and shade ended the ride on a positive note as riders were able to socialize Money will be set aside and used this Christmas season to brighten the lives of the youth in our community.  If this story inspires you, please feel free to make a donation by dropping by any one of the above mentioned businesses and Jeanine, Linda, or Reine will make sure your donation goes to Youth in Need!

Jeanine, Linda, Terry, and Reine would like to express their gratitude to all the riders who showed up to enjoy the ride. Next year be sure to bring a friend to help us double the attendance yet again.  Last, but not least by any means, thank you Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus for taking a break from your summer vacation to join us for Christmas in July!