WHITE LAKE — The clip-clop of horses’ hooves will be prevalent Saturday when the fourth annual Saddle Up for St. Jude is held in Bladen Lakes State Park.

“It’s a good family outing and a good meal,” says JoAnn Nunnery, the organizer of the event.

The festivities will include the trail ride along with lunch, an auction and door prizes. The trail has “nice sandy roads that are good for the horse’s feet.” Wagons are welcomed for people who don’t have a horse, but still want to join in on the fun. People are also welcome to come and just hang out with the Nunnery family and friends at the campsite.

Anyone can join in on the live auction. An auctioneer will be auctioning off hand-made pocketbooks, rose bushes, buckets of horse supplies, a bucket of hunting supplies, gift cards and coggin tests for horses.

Nunnery hopes to reach a fundraising goal of $3,500 and said 100 percent of the proceeds go to St. Jude.

The event was inspired by Nunnery’s granddaughter, Kayla Nunnery, who is the daughter of Kristy Hester and Clint Nunnery. Kayla was diagnosed with cancer at age 10. Now cancer free, Kayla is 18 years old and has been in remission for more than three years. She will be attending Bladen Community College and joining the nursing program.

The cost of the trail ride is $25 dollars, which includes lunch. Children 12 years old and younger ride and eat for free. Lunch will consist of fried chicken, green beans, collard yams, hush puppies, soft drinks and water.

The Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride will last from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and it will be located on Singletary Lake Loop Trail road, Highway 53 in White Lake.

For information, call Nunnery at at 910-918-2147 or 910-669-2824.

Brendaly Vega is a summer intern for the Bladen Journal from UNCP.

Brendaly Vega

Summer intern