LOWVILLE — As a fundraiser for the Lowville Food Pantry, Mickey Dietrich will be taking her horse, Fred, around the village to collect donations.
Dietrich, who owns Hyderrock Ranch, a 2.2-acre hobby ranch for retired horses, said he’s had the idea for the fundraiser for some time.
“In the old days, horses and wagons were used to deliver food, so why use a horse and wagon for food distribution,” he said. “Part of the horse’s mission is to give back to the community.”
Hyder Rock Ranch takes in rescued, surrendered and elderly horses and helps “find new homes” for those that can’t be accommodated.
Dietrich said the ranch’s mission is two-fold: to take in horses and use them to benefit the community.
The ranch has a website (https://www.facebook.com/hyderrockranch) for educational and recreational purposes, and Dietrich has worked with BOCES students who visit the horses.
Now that Fred, a 12-year-old Percheron horse, has found a new home at the ranch, Dietrich said he’s able to put his food distribution idea into action.
“I know Fred can be in charge of the food fundraisers for the food pantry,” he said.
The event will begin at 3pm on Saturday at the main entrance of the Lewis County Fairgrounds on Bostwick Street, and the public is invited to come meet Fred and bring non-perishable food donations.
Fred will travel down Shady Avenue and stop at the Lowville Farmers Co-op Feed and Crop Center (5512 Shady Avenue) to make donations, then continue on Forest Avenue, West Street and Woollawn Avenue, where he will help people come from their homes and fill the wagon. The next stop is North Country CPA (5564 Woodlawn Avenue), then return to Trinity Avenue, Sharp Street and Shady Avenue, stopping at Cazenovia Equipment (5570 Shady Avenue), then continue on James Street, Lamphere Street and Trinity Avenue before finally stopping at the Food Pantry (5502 Trinity Avenue).
In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on Sunday.
