An event new to Hornell is expected to bring hundreds of utility task vehicle riders to the Maple City for a good cause over the Memorial Day weekend in May.
Ridin for a Reason LLC is the organizer behind the Zach D. Smith Memorial Day Ride on Sunday, May 24.
The Canisteo-based nonprofit raises money for local families and causes with UTV rides.
Last year alone, Ridin for a Reason raised and donated some $120,000 to local charitable entities, a representative for the organization told the Hornell Board of Public Safety at its April meeting.
Proceeds from the May 24 event will go to the Zachary Smith Scholarship Fund, which has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to Hornell High School seniors in memory of the U.S. Marine who was killed Jan. 24, 2010 in Afghanistan.
Smith, a 19-year-old lance corporal, was a 2008 graduate of Hornell High School.
Police escort planned for Zach D. Smith Memorial Day Ride
According to Ridin for a Reason, the Zach D. Smith Memorial Day Ride is expected to attract between 150 and 200 UTVs. The vehicles will parade through the city, making stops at the Hornell VFW and the Hornell American Legion hall.
The Hornell Police Department and Hornell-based New York State Police will coordinate with the riders and control traffic into, around, and out of the city, Hornell public safety officials said.
The ride will begin in Dansville at the Dark Horse Saloon on state Route 36. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the ride starts at 9:30 a.m.
On their way to Hornell, riders will make stops at the Canaseraga American Legion, the Arkport American Legion and the Canisteo American Legion.
The group is expected to roll toward Hornell at 4 p.m., with law enforcement meeting the procession at Ice House Road.
After stopping at the Canisteo Street VFW building, riders will follow a police escort to the American Legion on Seneca Street at about 5 p.m.
Riders will pick up their last police escort around 7 p.m. for the drive out of the city.
Ridin for a Reason encouraged spectators to line the streets and watch the machines go by in honor of a Hornell hero.
Each rider must sign a waiver pledging not to drink alcohol and drive, Ridin for a Reason and city officials said.
Organizers said registering in advance is highly recommended. To register, visit the Zachary D. Smith Dice Run information and registration page. The cost to register, including a service fee, is $26.50.
The event will also feature a high roll prize of $100, lowest roll prize of $50, basket raffles that are open to the public and 50/50 drawings.
Organizers are accepting baskets, big ticket raffle items and donations. Individuals who wish to make donations may contact David Gibson at 607-968-3477.
Zachary Smith Scholarship Fund announces awards at HHS commencement
The 15th and final Zachary D. Smith Memorial Golf Tournament was held in 2024. That event had served as the scholarship fund’s major benefactor.
As of 2024, the scholarship fund had distributed more than $71,000 in awards to graduating seniors. Scholarship recipients are announced each June at Hornell High School commencement exercises.
All the proceeds from the May 24 event will be donated to the Zachary D. Smith Scholarship Fund.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: How to register for Zach Smith Memorial Day UTV Ride in Hornell area
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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