The Ranger Foundation, Inc.
  Fall Open House 
October 16, 2004

After months of planning, the Ranger Foundation Fall Festival and Open House went on as scheduled on October 16th despite off and on weather that sent people scattering at times during the day.    The hardwork of the volunteers was evident in the professional appearance of the event and although turnout was light due to the weather, everyone remarked on the full array of entertainment for those who attended.  "We had a terrific volunteer turnout on the day of the event and leading up it," said Ann Corcoran, Pres.   "And we are very thankful for that help."  

The day began with a steady stream of traffic for the tack sale organized by Lynn DiCarlo.  The official opening was at noon when The Star Equestrian Center drill team, undaunted by the rain, opened the Festival with a presentation of the colors.  Star was followed by other riding demonstrations in the big ring.   Charlene Jones demonstrated the beauty and versatility of the Tennessee Walking Horse,  The Hovermales displayed their adorable and talented miniature horses and Sally Chapin showed how intricate and challenging dressage could be. 

During the day attendees could visit the Petting Zoo, go to the pony rides (Volunteer Marianne) , visit the Ranger horses with Volunteers Diana or Chesley, or participate in kids games (volunteer Dave).   Flights End Raptor Center with its display of birds of prey was popular too.  Hot coffee, hot chocolate, hot dogs and hot chili were among the best selling food items organized by volunteers Susan and Noreen, and served by Tina and Steven.

A beautiful quilt ("Summer Shoes") crafted and donated by volunteer Lois brought shrieks of delight from volunteer Mary who won the quilt in a raffle.  Mary also served as our master of ceremonies for the event.

The Open House, despite the weather, generated over $3000 in income to help feed and care for the horses this winter.   Robin Leeney was again awarded the gift for top fundraiser of the event.  Robin has won this honor for the previous 2 fall events.

And the Winners of the Mr. & Ms. Horse Popularity are...

The highlight for the younger volunteers was the Popularity Contest. Months ago volunteers chose favorite Ranger horses for whom to collect votes (donations)  in hopes of having that horse crowned Mr. or Ms. Popularity.  Old coffee cans and other containers were decorated with photos of the favorite horse and donations were collected.   Volunteer Barbara served as the official accountant for the day and winners were announced  following a parade of horses. The sun broke through as  Dots (Volunteers Phong and Chesley)  was chosen and wreathed in blue as Mr. Popularity and Nina  (Volunteer Amanda)  won the purple wreath as Ms. Popularity.  Runners up were Gary for Mr. Popularity and Patti for Ms. Popularity.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors

AC & T Co., Basement Barber Shop, Bentley’s Bagels, BJ’s Custom Creations, Brenda Tibbs’ Travelling Petting Zoo, Brian & Lynda Bell, Brocroft Kennels, Castle’s Liquors, Charlene Jones, Dogs “R” Us, Edward Jones – Joie Hook Edward Jones – T. David Walker, Fairview Pet Kennels, Flight’s End Raptor Center, Gower’s Feed, Inc., Henson Family, Holsinger’s Meat Market, Horst Fencing Service Inc., Hovermales Mini Horses, Jan & Ernie Wetterer, Lou & Regina Clark, Lou's Lawncare, Lynn Routzahn, McCleary & Earley Mountain Valley Orchard, Mountainside Gardens, Mr. Naturals Tattoos & Body Piercing, Olde Crow Primitives, Pat Dorsey, Potomac Mediation Services, R&R Construction, River City Farm & Pet Supply, Robin Leeney, Rocky’s Pizza, Rocky’s University Pizza, Shawley’s Hardware, Shepherdstown Outback Basics, South Mountain Reality & Auction Company, Staples, Star Equestrian Center, Taley Metal Products, The Tanning Zone, Total Lube Center, Total Package, Unique Petique, Weis Markets, and Widow’s Mite Farm.

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