A highly anticipated event during the Clearwater Heritage Festival each year is the Clearwater Legion Riders’ Homeless Vets Run & Fundraiser, and this year was no different. 

A group of 151 motorcycles and eight classic cars took off from the Clearwater Legion in the morning, riding over 130 miles with stops in Paynesville, Melrose, and Cold Spring, before returning to the Legion at 4 p.m.

A silent auction and pork chop dinner commenced once the riders had returned, with a live auction starting at 6:30 and a gun and cash prize raffle at 7 p.m.

Before the live auction began, Legion Rider members gathered at the stage, where a $7,500 donation was presented to each of four veterans organizations; Patriot Dogs, Magnus, Becker Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and Becky’s Troops Care Packages out of St. Cloud.  

The Street Dance, featuring Pull Start Diesel, kicked off in the evening, however, after bad weather moved in, everyone headed into the Legion building, where the fun continued.

To honor and remember recently passed away Clearwater Legion Rider Gary Grant, his photo and motorcycle were on display outside the Legion.

“Gary was a huge part of this for years,” said Legion Riders Director Cyle Paumen. “This year everybody stood up to fill his shoes.”

A record amount was raised during the event, enabling the Legion Riders to continue their tradition of donating to worthy veterans’ causes. Members of the organization expressed thanks to the community and the numerous businesses and individuals for their donations and continued support.

Held annually on the first Saturday in August, the Homeless Vets Run is the Legion Riders’ biggest event of the year. All funds raised go toward helping veterans. For more information on the Clearwater Legion Riders Post 323, visit clearwaterlegionriders323.com.