The sound of about 100 motorbikes filled the air at the Ashmont Agriplex on June 23, as riders in the second annual Hillbilly Hammerdown motorcycle run started their bikes and hit the road for a 350 km run at 11 a.m.
The event attracted riders from across the province and acted as a fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars for a local family. Last year, the event raised funds for the Ashmont Volunteer Fire Department.
“We had 200 in attendance, 100 motorcycles on site at supper time,” says Trevor Whelen, one of the event organizers, after the event wrapped up. He says $10,000 was raised for little Emma-Anne Miller, whose father, Jesse Miller, died suddenly in October of 2011.
The money is going into a trust fund that has been set up for Emma-Anne, says her mom, Jessica Sloan. Sloan and Emma-Anne were both in attendance throughout the weekend and along with the rest of the Miller and Sloan families, would like to “extend a huge thank you to the Hillbilly Hammerdown,” its organizers, sponsors and the entire community that supported the event.
“This outpouring of support is greatly appreciated as we continue to heal from the loss of (Emma-Anne’s) daddy, Jesse Miller. His devastating passing has brought a great deal of sadness in our lives, but we live through the memory of his smile, his laughter and all of the precious moments we had to spend with him,” said Sloan, after the event.
The 21-year-old Miller was found dead outside the Glendon Hotel last October, after an “apparent physical fight” according to Bonnyville RCMP. A 31-year-old man from Ardmore and a 37-year-old man from Glendon turned themselves at the Bonnyville detachment and are scheduled to face court this summer on charges of second-degree murder.
Sloan is appreciative of the support she and Emma-Anne have received from the community and says she finds “strength in the prayers that continue to come our way.”
“The loss of Jesse has changed our lives forever, but knowing we are surrounded by people who care, helps us through the tragic loss more than words could explain.”
Whelen too is thankful for the support shown by the community toward the Hillbilly Hammerdown. He says it was a “great party” and he is looking forward to seeing everyone again next year.
