Julie Druker | Sep 24, 2015


Over 350 riders took part in the Fall ATV Run in Ompah, a popular ride for ATVers that was founded by Denis Bedard and Rose Boivin of the Palmerston Lake Marina (formerly the Double S) in Ompah.

The event is a fundraiser run by and supporting the Ompah Community Volunteer Association, and the efforts of the group of over 30 dedicated volunteers has put Ompah on the map as a popular destination for riders. The ride has a impressive reputation that keeps riders new and old coming back year after year. With the renovations at the Ompah fire hall and community hall now complete, organizers are hoping to see the proceeds from this year's event go towards purchasing an $8,000 "snowbulance", a heated rescue buggy that can either be pulled by a snow machine or an ATV and would be used for emergency winter bush rescues by local fire fighters in the winter months. The unit can transport one injured person and one emergency responder.

Lindy Hay, one of the event organizers, was pleased with the 350 plus riders who took part this year and she said that the new law allowing for two-ups and side by side ATVs was part of the reason why. Another reason is the ride's good reputation. “We are always amazed to see new people attending year after year, which proves that the word is getting out about the ride.” Hay told me that two riders who met at a conference in Vancouver were amazed to find out that both had been at one of the Ompah Fall ATV runs. The route this year was a 105 km loop with riders starting out from the marina and stopping mid-day for a trail lunch put on by a dedicated group of Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Lifers, who directed this year's lunch proceeds to the North Frontenac Food Bank.

This year's ride attracted riders from as far afield as Quebec, Sudbury, Windsor, Welland and Lindsay as well as many local riders from across Frontenac and Lanark Counties.

The after ride dinner is usually prepared by the Snow Road Volunteer ladies, but this year it was a brisket dinner with all the fixings prepared by Tim and Penny Cota.

Kanata Honda donated the big ticket raffle item that was up for grabs by the close to 2000 ticket holders- a 2015 Honda Pioneer 500 side by side ATV with a retail value $11,000. Other prizes included a Sony go cam with a wrist playback, a Garmin GPS unit and six CKX helmets along with 50 other door prizes. Every rider had a chance to win. Also riding and showing off their "indestructible" machines were Braydon Oakley and Kevin Clark of Perth Power Sports.

Hay stressed that the annual ride is a great event for the local community since riders will often stay in the area and shop at local businesses. Over the years the run has brought over $350,000 of tourist dollars into the local area.

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