Thousands brave the heat to lend a hand to hospice

Despite hot temperatures and high humidity, the annual Hogs for Hospice Motorcycle Rally for 2024 wrapped up as another huge success by all accounts on Sunday afternoon.

The annual event has become Leamington’s signature waterfront event over the years and 2024 was no exception.

The 500+ volunteers decked out in their orange t-shirts made every guest feel welcome, from helping get them around, to giving directions to handing out free water.

According to Hogs Board Member Tim Iles, over 10 skid containers of bottled water was donated by the women and men of the Leamington Fire Services — that’s over 20,000 bottles of water, which is double the amount consumed last year.

Iles was amazed at the amount of water they went through as of Sunday morning and he expected another big crowd Sunday afternoon to partake in the generous hydration offer.

Friday night kicked off with the country music night as Priscilla Block brought the crowd to its feet with her brand of take-no-prisoners country music. Block was very engaging with the crowd and genuinely happy to be in Leamington for the night.

Her music set the stage for Friday’s headliner, country music star Justin Moore, who entertained with many of his hits.

Saturday’s rock and roll night featured heavy rockers Quiet Riot getting the crowd stirred up for headliners, Stone Temple Pilots. 

The Saturday concertgoers were treated to a flyover from an RCAF CC-130J Hercules aircraft and then to a beachfront fireworks display after the concerts concluded.

The weekend’s activities were attended by thousands, with the Seacliff Park hill full of music fans for both nights and the park itself bustling with riders, vendors and visitors for the entire weekend.

A church service held at the Sunset Amphitheatre on Sunday morning attracted hundreds of people to the hill as well.

The annual Ribfest was incorporated as part of the Hogs for Hospice weekend for the first time and plenty of hungry people took advantage of that and a number of food vendors in the park.

The annual Lions Club Pancake Breakfast was also well attended on both mornings with families arriving just for the pancakes and staying for other activities.

The annual Tour The Tip Ride was as massive as always, with well over 1,500 motorcyles taking part as it moved from Seacliff Park, down Robson Road, Point Pelee Drive and into Point Pelee National Park and back.

Many of the bikers made their way to Kingsville, where the streets were closed for them to park their bikes and get some refreshments on Saturday afternoon.

The always popular Bike Rodeo — both for juniors and adults — drew a large crowd Sunday afternoon, as did the Iron on the Beach Bike Show and the Pro Rider FMX show which was held up on Seacliff Drive.

Although the final tally of money raised for Hospice, Erie Shores Campus won’t be available for a while, the committee now shifts their focus to their upcoming 50-50 raffle draw on Thursday, August 8, where a lucky winner will take away more than $300,000.

And of course, planning for next year is already underway amongst the conversations being had by the seven board members.