Mamon ride

Kids with special needs are invited to trick-or-treat at the Mamon Ride for Children, Saturday, Oct. 29.
The Halloween event starts with lunch at Mesquite Creek at 11 a.m. New this year is a petting farm with animals in costume, as well as rides on a miniature train.
“We try to add something different every year,” said Kaz Mamon, organizer of the event for the past 15 or so years.
About 100 bikers roll in with their motocycles at about 1 p.m. from Ortonville. Riders are in costume, sometimes along with their bikes.
“It’s so gratifying for the bikers to see the kids,” Mamon said.
The riders go from child to child for trick-or-treating, giving them candy and educational items such as mind teasers, books, and puzzles.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to go trick-or-treating who normally wouldn’t” he said. “It’s Halloween with an educational theme, to keep their brains thinking.”
They have enough candy, but need donations of educational items. They could also use more volunteers to work with the kids, face painting, and help with lunches.
The event is free for children with special needs such as wheelchairs, crutches or blindness. Lunch is $3 for parents and siblings. Rain date is Oct. 30.
For more information, check Mamonride.com.
? Phil Custodio

The 10th annual Mamon Ride will be May 19 (rain date May 20). Area motorcyclists can participate in the police-escorted ride starting from either the Post Bar on M-24 Auburn Hills (across from the Palace) or from the Wal-Mart parking lot on M-81 and M-24 in Caro. The two parades will meet up at M-46 and ride together. Proceeds will benefit the Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning special needs camp and is organized by area resident Kaz Mamon.
Registration: Cost is $20 for riders, $10 for non-riders or ride in. Main ride 9-11 a.m. and northern ride 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Camp gates open at noon, bikes will roll at 1 p.m. Lunch included, live bands, games, activities for campers. Details: (586) 995-3500 or e-mail KMamonIII@aol.com.