In just less than two weeks, the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock will make its annual cycle through Ladysmith in an Island-wide effort to raise money for pediatric cancer research.
On Mon., Oct. 1 at around 2 p.m., the riders will roll into town and be escorted by a town crier (played by Rob Johnson) and pipe band to an official reception in the Ladysmith and District Credit Union parking lot. Emcee Duck Patterson will be on site to help rally donations and build excitement amongst the crowd.
According to Noriko Nakahara, who helps organize the Ladysmith stop of the tour, preparations are underway for the community welcome, and she is hoping for a bigger and better turnout this year.
“The riders are always greatly received in Ladysmith,” she said.
Last year during the Ladysmith stop, approximately six brave local souls stepped onto the makeshift barber’s stage to have their hair removed to raise more money for the cause.
Nakahara is hoping to co-ordinate efforts with local schools to increase community involvement at the reception.
“We’re hoping we’re going to get at least as many head shaves as last year, maybe more,” she said.
As is tradition, a Red Serge Dinner will be held on the evening of the Tour de Rock riders’ arrival at the Eagles Hall. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with a full-service roast beef dinner and dessert to follow at 7 p.m. Attendees will get the opportunity to learn all about the ride, be waited on by members of the local RCMP, meet the Tour de Rock riders and bid on auction items to raise money.
“We’re out collecting donations of goodies from people for auction items now,” Nakahara said.
Tickets are limited and are available now at the Ladysmith Community Policing Office at Coronation Mall or the Canadian Cancer Society office. The cost per person is $35.
To get involved with the community welcome, contact Noriko Nakahara at 250-245-5440.