Terry Weaver, owner of Weaver Farms off Hwy 152 near Alamo, TN opened his gates to nearly 450 horses and thousands of visitors during the weekend of Sept. 28-30, 2007. Thanks to the donations of lights from Williams Equipment and NES Rentals, both of Jackson, TN, the campsite area looked like a miniature city at night. Friday, people started arriving to camp all weekend. That night hamburgers and hot dogs were served and the band “High Voltage” started the weekend off with great entertainment.

     Saturday morning everyone gathered to leave for the trail ride. Horses of every color and breed, people from all over the country and surrounding states as far away as Arizona were there to show support for St. Jude. With the help of Crockett County Sheriff’s Department, all the riders, wagons with teams, and hay wagons were safely escorted down Highway 152 to the route taken through scenic cotton and corn fields to the tower on the Wildlife Refugee at Horn’s Bluff. Many thanks are given to the land owner Mr. Van Sanders and to Kenneth Bodkins (who leases the hunting rights) for letting us ride across the fields. Upon returning to Weaver Farms, lunch of white beans, cornbread, and hotdogs were served while the auction was getting set-up.

     Miss Lilly Martin, (daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Drake Martin of Jackson, TN and granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Hargett of Alamo, TN) age 8 years old was our guest speaker. Lilly, who is a patient at St. Jude Children’s Hospital, has been our speaker for three years. She is an inspiration and blessing to all who get a chance to meet her and hear her story about St. Jude. The auction began at 1:30 pm with items donated by various stores, businesses, and individuals. Because of these wonderful gifts and all the donations from everyone, the St. Jude Trail Ride once again helped thousands of children in our own area, country and around the world receive care at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

    After the auction, it was absolutely a “kid’s world” with children of all ages scrambling every where to catch the runaway chickens at the chicken chase. Prizes were given for wrestling and chasing goats and young calves. All you could hear was laughter while watching boys and girls having the time of their lives! Mr. Jerry Riley and his working crew set up a fabulous stage and dance area for the band “High Voltage”. Under the leadership of Jim Bohanan, the band began playing at 7:30 pm with an outstanding performance enjoyed by all attending.

     During break time of the band, sparklers were passed out to everyone. When the announcement of $32000.00 of donations raised by the Buck Creek St. Jude Trailride of 2007, was made the night was lit by the light of thousands of glowing sparklers. What a celebration!

     There are so many individuals, stores, businesses and companies to thank for the success of the trailride each year. Each and every one of you that play a part in this event can be very proud that everything big or small that you did means so much to so many. Thank you all very, very much.

     Next year will be the 10th Anniversary of the St. Jude Trail Ride. Plans are already in the making for the greatest year ever. It will be held at the same location at Weaver Farms on the last weekend in September, which will be September 26-28, 2008. Please make plans to attend. Bring your family and friends (horse is optional) for a weekend you’ll never forget.

     Let us never forget that St. Jude treats children without regard to race, religion, creed or ability to pay. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatments that are not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. Since opening in 1962, it has treated children from all 50 states in the United States and more than 70 foreign countries. Donations are accepted at any time by calling Kathy Moore at 731-617-1225.