THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News
PAGE 8 - April 7, 2010
A Day of Fun at The
Waccasassa River Benefit
If spring is here, can the Wild Hog Canoe & Kayak Race be far behind? Not
likely. The Bronson AmVets Post #88 and the Levy Association for Retarded Citizens
(LARC) are gearing up for the 33rd running of this fun paddle to benefit charity.
On Saturday, April 17, 2010, at 7:30 a.m., paddlers from near and far will gather
at the river to participate in one of the six canoe classes or one of the two kayak classes
that range from amateur to experienced. Prizes of miniature paddles are awarded to first,
second, and third place winners in each category.
The Wild Hog Race was originally started in 1977 by Frank Couch and his wife,
Carol of Gulf Hammock. Every April the Couch family, together with their friends, would
race15 miles down the Waccasassa River from the SR 24 bridge east of Otter Creek to the
US 19/98 bridge. The fun paddle would end up with a barbeque on the banks of the river.
Over the years, the race became so popular the group formed a not-for-profit
Florida corporation and looked around for a local organization who could benefit from the
profits. LARC became the chosen charity and they have been receiving donations every
year since.
This is the fifth year the Wild Hog Canoe & Kayak Race has been hosted by the
Bronson AmVets Post #88. Post members work hard preparing the grounds at the begin-
ning and end of the race course before and after the race, soliciting sponsorships and raffle
prizes, and making the paddles, Currently, the group is seeking sponsors who want to show
Grand Re-Opening - Jean and Buddy (Charles) Clacher bought the old West-
their support of LARC activities by making a $200 tax deductible donation. Interested
persons can contact Post Commander Clyde McGarva at (352) 317-1236.
ern Auto store in Crackertown 27 years ago from Wilbur Neeld and changed the name to
Spectators are an important element of the event and everyone is invited to join
Buddy and Fred’s Hardware. (This will explain who was Buddy and who was Fred as many
the festivities for food, music and fun. This year the menu and food preparation are under
folks never understood who was who). Fred Clacher took over the ownership after his par-
the capable direction of LARC Board member, Thelma McCain. For $7.00, you have your
ents passing and offered the same dedicated service his parents gave. Many improvements
choice of a fish basket with french fries, cole slaw, hush puppies and drink or long sausage
were made and much needed items added over the years. A quarter century later the biggest
on a roll with grilled onions and peppers, french fries, cole slaw and drink.
change came, the relocation of the store from Hwy 40 W to next door to Food Ranch and
two doors down from Buddy and Fred’s II. (If you have never been to the II store, you have
denied yourself one of the largest surprises in town. This is a fun store, a lady and man’s
paradise of items that will excite you as you look over an array of goodies stocking the
shelves. It is a great place to get gifts and cards as well.) Fred has helped the community not
only with generous donations but providing employment to many fine people.
With the grand opening last week Fred offered over $2000 in retail items as gifts
and gave away in the grand drawing a $379 Weber 3 burner gas grill. With 1 ticket per per-
son and 176 registering, Woody Miley of Yankeetown was the lucky winner when his name
was drawn. Woody is a regular shopper at Buddy and Fred’s and when he would come into
the store he would ask “have I won yet” referring to his grill.
Four unique give-aways were offered. The grill sign up, a colored dot on random
register receipts and handing out freebies which all ended with the grand drawing Saturday.
One final celebration drawing will take place April 30. If you are a contractor or business
person with a printed business card, stop by the store and drop one card in for the drawing
for an incredible $179 Bosch Job Site Radio.
Pictured are: Fred Clacher, Carol Spence, Tina Evans (who drew Woody’s name),
Beth Evans (store manager), Warren Michaux and lucky winner Woody Miley.
On the Waccasassa - Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the out of doors on the banks of the
NAPA Auto &
scenic Waccasassa River where you can enjoy meeting and talking to your neighbors while
showing your support for two great organizations ~ LARC and the AmVets.  For more infor-
Truck Parts
mation and registration, contact Margie McGarva at (352) 486-2535.
Fax: 352-447-6099
R&M
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
(352) 447-6000
Hours:
Rebuilt - Repaired - Resealed
Mon-
Complete Auto Repairs
U.S. 19 - Inglis
A/C - Brakes - Front End - Exhaust - TuneUps
Friday
Hydraulic Hoses Our Specialty
Computer Diagnostics
7:30-5:30
Oil Changes While You Wait
Hydraulic Hoses up to 2"- 6 Wire
Saturday
4X4’s - RV’s - Trucks - Autos
Free Estimates
Foreign & Domestic
8-5
(352) 489-3391
352-447-0704
Visa - Mastercard - Discover
Sunday
U.S. 41 - Dunnellon
Accepted
8-5
Fax Line 447-6040
Just North of Powell Rd
Yankeetown General Store
Buddy & Fred's Hardware
Randy Alumbaugh
6611 Hwy. 40W • Yankeetown • (352)447-2532
42 Hwy 19 N. - Inglis,FL - 352-447-2600
Construction, Inc.
LAST STOP BEFORE THE GULF
Buddy & Fred's Hardware
Across from Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
New Homes - Renovations - Additions
is Now Doing Business
Now Open 7 Days
Serving Marion, Levy & Citrus Counties
at the New Location
Serving Breakfast-Lunch
www.alumbaughconstruction.com
Licensed & Insured CRC058012
Live Shrimp & Pinfish
42 Hwy 19 N. Inglis
Gas & Ice
Chicken, Subs & Beer
Office: 352-447-0655 - Inglis
Randy Alumbaugh
50
Food Ranch Plaza
Low Ethanol Gasoline - Fried Chicken - Subs - Beer
Fax: 352-447-3013
Cell: 352-266-7113