This weekend, children and pets will benefit from two events:

- 16th annual Motorcycle and Classic Car Run: The deep rumble of motorcycle engines will echo throughout downtown Hutchinson as bikes and classic cars roll into town Saturday for the 16th annual Motorcycle and Classic Car Run. This event is a fundraiser for the Foundation for Challenged Children. Hutchinson Police Chief Dan Hatten will serve as the run’s first Grand Marshall. Registration from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Library Square in downtown Hutchinson. The run returns to Hutchinson by 3:30 p.m. for food, music and prize drawings.

- Paws on Parade:
When it comes to helping animals, the Heart of Minnesota’s annual Paws on Parade attracts walkers and money like fleas to a dog. While the Motorcycle and Classic Car Run benefits children, Saturday’s petwalk helps animals.
This event is the largest fundraiser for the local animal shelter. According to board treasurer Jody Wendorff, it brought in slightly more than $8,000 last year. Registration begins at 9 a.m. followed by the walk at 10 a.m. at the shelter, 880 Century Ave. S.W., Hutchinson. The public may collect pledges, make a donation or just enjoy the fun. After the walk, watch training demonstrations, K-9 law enforcement demonstration, and bid on silent auction items.

To read more about these events, see the print edition of the Hutchinson Leader for Thursday, May 15, 2008.

(Kay Johnson is a staff writer at the Hutchinson Leader. She can be reached at johnson@hutchinsonleader.com).