NORTHWEST IOWA, IA (Northwestiowanow) — The Pony Express Riders of Iowa are getting ready to ride through several northwest Iowa communities as part of their annual Ride Day on Friday, April 3.

The event raises money and awareness for Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines, which serves children and adults with disabilities.

In Clay County, Ride 11 will make stops in Sioux Rapids, Peterson, Royal, and Everly, with riders collecting free-will donations at each stop throughout the morning and early afternoon. A public meet-up is scheduled for 1:30 PM in the Bomgaars parking lot in Everly, where pony rides will be available beginning at 11:30 AM.

The Pony Express is a statewide Good Friday tradition, dating back to the 1960s. Multiple numbered rides take place at the same time across Iowa, each following its own route, but sharing the same mission.

Sharon Manwarren with Palo Alto County Ride 10 says Ride Day is about more than just fundraising.

 

 

Ride 10 covers parts of Palo Alto and surrounding counties, beginning early Friday morning in Mallard, before continuing through Curlew, Ayrshire, and Riverton. Riders then meet up with another group in Emmetsburg around midday, before making additional stops in Cylinder and Whittemore, where they connect with riders coming from West Bend.

Manwarren says the structure of the ride has remained largely unchanged for decades.

 

 

During each stop, riders visit local businesses, interact with residents, and stand along main streets to collect donations before moving on to the next town.

Money raised goes toward maintaining and improving the camp’s facilities, including dorms, recreational spaces, and gathering areas.

According to Manwarren, Ride 10 alone raises a significant amount each year.

 

 

All Pony Express rides eventually make their final stop near Des Moines, concluding Ride Day at Camp Sunnyside.

For more information and schedule, visit https://ponyexpressridersofiowa.org/, or stop and visit with riders when they come through your town on Friday.