River Valley Sun Article

Riders ignore weather for large turnout at ATV Rally in Debec
River Valley ATV Club event raised enthusiasm and funds for local charities
By Jim Dumville, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Rain, cool temperatures, and mud didn’t hinder excitement for the Woodstock River Valley ATV Rally in Debec on June 18. As a result, the off-road enthusiasm delivered funding support for the Evan Graham Scholarship Fund and the Canterbury Recreation Committee’s Food Program.
River Valley ATV Club treasurer Linda McHatten said the club divided the $1,000 in proceeds from the event between the two charities.
COVID-19 forced the annual event into hiatus in 2019, so riders were ready to return to the trails at the 2022 rally.
“We had a great day,” said McHatten.
She said 84 bikes and approximately 160 people participated in the rally, arriving in Debec from Woodstock and surrounding communities, Shediac, Perth-Andover, Grand Falls, Charlotte County, Fredericton and Nackawic.
McHatten said the rain held off as the bikes hit the trail.
She said the club later presented a donation to Stacy and Jeremy Graham, parents of the late Evan Graham, who created the scholarship in his honour.
McHatten presented a $500 cheque to Canterbury Mayor Tanya Cloutier to support the recreation committee’s food program.
The Canterbury Rec Committee’s busy summer included its own ATV rally on June 25.